Brits 'should keep road safety in mind on Easter break abroad'

Date: 15/3/2011

Easter may be a great time to spend a few days on the continent, but should they hope to take their vehicle there, one group urges Britons to focus on road safety.

Mondial Assistance notes that it is important to research motoring laws and regulations before driving in a foreign country, while it is equally vital to check if breakdown policy covers motorists when overseas.

Lee Taylor, Automotive Director for Mondial Assistance UK, states that when using the roads in France, Britons are often surprised to discover they can be fined on the spot if they commit an offence, such as speeding.

In addition, they may be required to appear in court - which could put a dampener on their travel plans.

The group advises motorists to carry out all of the usual checks on their car before a long journey - such as the oil level, tyres and battery - in addition to packing their driving licence, insurance documents, roadside recovery papers and evidence of vehicle registration.

Should a car have a number plate that does not feature a GB Euro symbol, it is also important to place a GB sticker in the vehicle.

The European Commission recently revealed it has launched a consultation into the possibility of making the process of registering a motor in a different member state to where it was purchased simpler.

Posted by Sarah Bailey