Euro driving laws causing UK road mayhem

Speed limits – or lack of them – throughout continental Europe are making British drivers take their eye off the speedometer, according to new research from safe driver champion Privilege Insurance.
Over a quarter (28 per cent) of British motorists who have driven abroad on holiday say they have accidentally broken speed restrictions on their return after getting used to higher continental limits.
Less safe drivers – those without 4+ years no claims discount – are most likely to come back from continental Europe and speed (35 per cent).

With the confusing range of speed limits across continental Europe’s motorways, from 75mph (120kph) in Spain and Switzerland to Germany’s almost limitless Autobahn, nearly half (49 per cent) of British drivers say they would like to see a universal speed limit applied across Europe.

The research by Privilege Insurance reveals the rise of ‘speed tourism’.  Almost half a million* (3 per cent) British drivers say they have visited continental Europe specifically to drive at higher speeds, with men the biggest culprits.

Ian Parker, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance, said:
“With high numbers flocking to the World Cup and on holidays in continental Europe this summer, UK drivers may find themselves getting used to higher speed limits so should take extra care on their return to the UK. We know how tempting it can be to drive fast where speed limits are less rigid than in the UK, but almost one in ten accidents** happen when motorists are speeding so drivers need to be mindful of the speed limit to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
 
“It is clear from our research that some British drivers are heading abroad specifically to drive faster than they would at home and are forgetting the upper UK speed limit of 70mph (112kph) when they get back.”

Tips from Privilege for British motorists driving abroad
1) Check the speed limits in the country you are travelling too
2) Remember that speed limits abroad are kilometres per hour not miles per hour
3) Before leaving the UK familiarise yourself with continental Europe’s road signs
4) Be aware of the different drink driving laws that apply throughout continental Europe – but remember that the safest way to ensure you are not over the limit is not to drink at all before driving.
5) Take some time to get used to driving a left-hand drive car before going out on busy roads

Continental Europe’s speed limits
Country Motorway  (MPH) Open Road  (MPH) Town (MPH)
Austria 130 km/h (80) 100 km/h (62) 50 km/h (31)
Belgium 120 km/h (74) 90 km/h (55) 50 km/h (31)
Denmark 130 km/h (80) 80 km/h (49) 50 km/h (31)
France 130 km/h  (80) 110 when wet (68) 90 km/h (55) 50 km/h (31)
Germany none unless shown 100 km/h (62) 50 km/h (31)
Italy 130 km/h  (80) 90 km/h (55) 50 km/h (31)
Luxembourg 120 km/h (74) 90 km/h (55) 60 km/h (37)
Netherlands 120/110 km/h (74/68) 80 km/h (49) 50 km/h (31)
Norway 90 km/h (55) 80 km/h (49) 50 km/h (31)
Spain 120 km/h (74) 100 km/h (62) 50 km/h (31)
Switzerland 120 km/h (74) 80 km/h (49) 50 km/h (31)
 

Notes
The research was conducted between 28th and 30th March 2006. YouGov interviewed a sample of 2161 individuals in GB. The survey was carried out online. Results were weighted to be representative of the known profile of the adult GB population from the 2001 Census.
*Population of UK drivers is 44,020,057. Number of UK drivers that have driven abroad is 15,407,019. Number of drivers that have deliberately gone to Europe to speed abroad is 462,210.
**In 7.3% of accidents, speed was one of many factors. TRL Report 323 entitled "A new system for recording contributory factors in road accidents" was a joint project between the TRL and the DETR (Department of Environment, Transport and Regions).