Cross border follow-up of traffic offences not being used at ‘full potential’

New EU rules have had a positive impact on tackling road traffic offences committed abroad according to a European Commission report.

The number of investigated offences committed by non-residents increased by four times to approximately 2 million between 2013 and 2015 in the Member States which have implemented the rules. The “Cross-Border Enforcement Directive” allows Member States, with the help of an electronic information system, to identify EU drivers who commit traffic offences abroad including four “main killers” that cause 75% of road deaths: speeding, running red lights, failure to use seatbelts and drink driving.

EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: “Our evaluation shows that, thanks to the new automatic exchange of information, offenders are less likely to get away with dangerous behaviour. This is very good news for the safety of our roads, and I call on Member States to make full use of the possibilities of the system.”

The evaluation found that the electronic information system set up under the Directive provides for a speedy and secure exchange of vehicle registration data and does not generate unnecessary ‘administrative burden’. However, the system is not yet used to its full potential. In 2015, approximately half of the detected road traffic offences committed by non-residents were not investigated.

Furthermore, the report suggests considering whether additional road safety related offences could be included in the scope of the Directive, such as not keeping sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, dangerous overtaking and dangerous parking.