British drivers could be stripped of UK licences under new EU laws

       

The European Commission is proposing the new legislation in a bid to 'harmonise penalty points' across Europe.

We will defend the rights of British drivers

Robert Goodwill

Under current laws, British drivers avoid punishment if they are caught by speed cameras and only face fines if they are pulled over by a police officer while in other EU states.
But the proposed changes means UK motorists caught committing a motoring offences in any of the other 27 EU countries will face fines and could even lose their licence.
The Conservatives' Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill, has vowed that Britain will oppose any plans to transfer penalty points across borders.
He branded the proposed changes "inappropriate".
A Tory source told the Daily Telegraph: "A Conservative government would ensure these proposals do not see the light of day.
"Only a Conservative government will give the British people a referendum on membership of the European Union."
However, the new regulations are expected to be backed by a majority of EU politicians in Brussels.
The legislation to 'harmonise points' covers penalties for speeding, drink and drug driving, ignoring red lights and using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
"It must not be easier for British drivers to be prosecuted abroad than for foreign drivers to be prosecuted in the UK," a Department For Transport spokesperson said.
"We have made this clear from the outset of the negotiations."
A vote in favour of the new measures is expected to take place on Wednesday in the European Parliament.

Πηγή: http://www.express.co.uk/