Calls for standard driving rules across EU

A coalition of organisations is calling upon the government and upon the European Commission to standardise motoring regulations across member countries.

The main points from the 'European Drivers: Crossing Borders Safely' report cover the wider use of the European database to check for uninsured vehicles, greater awareness and recognition of endorsements upon overseas licences, and making sure that the differences in the rules of the road are highlighted.

In Greece, for example, it is the approaching vehicle which has priority to enter a roundabout.

Stephen Haddrill, the director general of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) says: "Greater movement throughout Europe must not mean more dangerous roads.

"With 45 major differences in road laws between member states, it is hardly surprising that cross-border driving is leading to more collisions."

The government has been trialling a scheme to prevent 'side-swiping' incidents – where vehicles pull out into the path of traffic in adjacent lanes - for left-hand drive HGVs, using a magnifying lens.

Caravan owners might be interested to know that most drivers reported that the lenses eliminated the blindspot completely.

14/11/2007 13:40:35