UK tourists in Europe this summer face fines which will be a “percentage of their daily salary”. UK tourists out in the European Union for a summer holiday face fines for speeding offences on the continent if they’re staying in motorhomes or caravans.
In Europe, maximum fines on offer to drivers could rise to as much as €2,500 (which equates to £2,101) – or a percentage of their daily salary in Finland. These fines also have no expirable time limit, according to experts from Ripe Caravan Insurance.
John Woosey, Founder of Ripe Caravan Insurance, said in a warning this week: “Going over the speed limit while driving abroad is a situation that many people have found themselves in. Tricky-to-navigate roads, different highway laws, an unfamiliar hire car and driving on the other side of the road can all lead to confusion and a higher likelihood of making a mistake.”
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“However, our research shows a misconception amongst British motorists that speeding abroad will somehow get lost in the system, and that you won’t have to face the consequences when you return home after your break.” The expert described this as being “untrue”.
Popular tourist destinations could see drivers slapped fines if they are caught speeding including Portugal (which equates to £2,101), Norway (which equates to £1,155) and Denmark (which equates to £902), too. In Finland, motorists are fined “half their daily salary” for speeding or base the penalty on the level of their disposable income.
Woosey concluded, saying in a warning to road users, traffic users and motorists who are heading abroad: “We would urge holidaymakers to stay vigilant when driving abroad and not relax into any false sense of security. If not, they could have a real shock when a fine lands on their doorstep long after the trip has ended.”