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UK Government Blocks EU Driving Offenses Enforcement

The UK Government is refusing to ratify an agreement that would allow member countries of the European Union to enforce traffic violations across international borders. The deal would also give police forces in all 27 member states access to databases that contain information about vehicle owners.

Law enforcement across Europe would be able to pursue disobedient drivers for a number of offenses, including speeding, running traffic lights, driving under the influence of alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt. The same would apply to foreign motorists caught on camera speeding in Britain.

Estimates indicate that about 4 million British drivers take their cars to the continent, double the number of foreign motorists in the UK. The EU proposals would apply in the case of motorists using a handheld device, driving under the influence of drugs, illegal use of safety lanes and motorcyclists who ride without a safety helmet.

Although the proposals made by the EU seem fair, Britain remains unhappy.

"While I support greater cooperation between member states over the issue of road safety, we feel there is still more work to be done on these proposals to address a number of important issues," said Mike Penning, the road safety minister. "For example, there are questions still be answered over the costs of such a scheme to the UK, and the different legal responsibilities placed on vehicle owners and drivers across the EU.

The police forces already have the ability to stop and fine foreign motorists, but with the additional changes, drivers caught on camera will receive the fines at home, meaning that there would be no escape for drivers with a heavy right foot.
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