PRESS RELEASE

31 July 2014

Time to stop foreign speeders driving away from justice, say GEM members

A SURVEY OFmembers by road safety organisation GEM Motoring assist shows overwhelming support for a forthcoming Europe-wide framework relating to traffic law offenders.

• 79% (1,590 out of 2,008) say they are in favour of proposals to ensure that foreign drivers should no longer be able to escape unpunished after committing offences that would lead to £100 fines and penalty points for British drivers.

• 67% (1,353 out of 2,014) believe that cross border enforcement will improve road safety across Europe. This ties in with statistics from a European Commission impact assessment survey that estimates between 350 and 400 lives would be saved annually on the roads of Europe through greater levels of compliance with traffic laws.

• 66% (1,335 out of 2,015) say that more effective enforcement will lead to a reduction in deaths and injuries on Europe's roads.

• 68% (1,369 out of 2,017) believe that support for cross border enforcement by the UK government would help reinforce the UK's position as a road safety front runner in Europe.

GEM chief executive David Williams CBE said: "Our members have spoken. No longer should offenders have the opportunity to drive away from justice.UK drivers know there will be consequences if they are detected by a speed camera. That's why we welcome the new proposal from the European Commission on cross border enforcement and are proud to stand alongside the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL), the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) and the UK's own Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) in calling on the UK government to support it.

"Careful and considerate drivers, wherever they live in Europe, will have nothing to fear from CBE. The new legislation will help protect people when they drive abroad, because they will be using roads with greater compliance, fewer traffic offences and lower risks."

ENDS

Notes for editors

Cross Border Enforcement (CBE) allows law enforcement organisations to pursue traffic offences committed by drivers of vehicles registered in an EU Member State different from the one where their offence was detected.

A total of 2,017 responses were received from GEM members, who were invited to take part in an online poll between 6 and 10 July.

GEM Motoring Assist provides two levels of recovery service; Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM, to suit all needs and pockets. All GEM policies also include free Accident Management, so members are also fully covered in this area. 

GEM provides a unique, comprehensive and competitively-priced Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Recovery Service. GEM has also been voted number one for Breakdown Cover in the 2013, 2011, 2010 and 2008 Auto Express Driver Power Survey, and runners-up in 2012 and 2009. 

GEM Motoring Assist is a trading name of The Guild of Experienced Motorists, established in 1932, as an independent driver-based road safety association. GEM's aim is to improve safety for all road users through the sponsorship and initiation of accident prevention measures throughout the UK and to provide motoring and safety information to its own members. Member benefits include a quarterly magazine, free literature and advice and discounts on insurances and other services. 

Press information: David Williams MBE, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist, is available for comment on 01342-825676 (office) or 07711450560 (mobile).  David Williams was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to road safety. Alternatively you can emailpress@motoringassist.comfor any further information.