Drivers heading on holiday face fines after Keir Starmer signs off new rule

Motorists travelling to Europe on holiday could be slapped with driving fines as part of the new EU deal signed by Sir Keir Starmer and Labour. Under the new terms, both the UK and EU will work closely on the "exchange of vehicle registration data”. The new driving rule means motorists who pick up speeding fines or motoring penalties abroad could still face the consequences when they get home.

Post-Brexit, drivers have been able to get away with non-serious driving penalties committed abroad once they return to the UK. The House of Commons Road traffic offences and licensing rules state that since 1 January 2021, UK drivers can no longer receive fines via the post for minor traffic crimes committed in the EU countries.

However, UK drivers could still receive on-the-spot fines in person in EU Member States despite leaving the bloc.

Before the UK left the EU, the cross-border Directive for road safety-related traffic offences allowed member states to request access to data relating to vehicles and their registered keepers.

The EU Directive applied mostly to individuals who had broken road safety rules, such as speeding and using a mobile phone.

This looks set to return with the UK now happy to once again share vehicle registration details held by the DVLA with EU authorities.

A report published by the EU after the deal was agreed reads: “At the Summit, the European Commission and the United Kingdom agreed to quicker and better implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and to reinforce their cooperation.”

Among plans for closer cooperation with Europol and a will to exchange more fingerprint and DNA data, the two sides confirmed they would work towards sharing car registration information.

The report reads there are plans for “finalising work setting up the exchange of vehicle registration data under the Agreement.”

Prime Minister Sir Kir Starmer said: “It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.

“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.”

"So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation."