So following all the drama over Gibraltar because we opt of of the Schengen zone for even UK outposts, now we're shooting ourselves in the foot with fining non UK drivers and making drivers caught in the EU not have the ability to pay when they get back home

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23619783

But that only applies if you get caught by an officer, speed cameras still have no effect.

Further the current Gibraltar situation has little to do with the schengen zone and much more to do with there desire to plunder the sea as much as possible.

Slightly lazy reporting from the BBC,

 

Quote:

French police say many foreign drivers break the speed limit because they know they can avoid a fine. EU figures show that foreign drivers make up 5% of road traffic but account for 15% of speeding offences in the 28-nation bloc.

 

And:

However, the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark have opted out of the EU directive.

So the only way motorists from those countries can be sanctioned on French roads - and there are many more from Britain than Ireland or Denmark - is if they are caught in the act by the police and made to pay on-the-spot fines.

 

Personally, if you don't want the fine don't do the crime!!

But the same works here.  Non UK drivers can speed around, and go home without fear of a ticket.

But the same works here.  Non UK drivers can speed around, and go home without fear of a ticket.

Same on the spot system in UK for foreign drivers. There are other things that can be chased EU wide like the London congestion charge though. It only becomes a problem with countries like the UK who replace Police on the roads who can detect and enforce all manor of driving offences, for speed cameras which anyone who isn't driving without paying attention can evade being detected. The costs of chasing people all over Europe inc inevitable court time for those who ignore the non inditible offence would be practically unenforceable. As it currently is with the shared database between UK and ROI for fines. Only inviting someone to pay in effect. Problem is the threat is for non compliance of payment catching the non identified driver in future visits being aimed at the vehicle instead. Trying to enforce on a vehicle which can be driven by anyone or have changed ownership doesn't work and is not how we do things. Our own time frames for prosecution and the initial notice of intended prosecution would be impossible to meet. To not match these rights to inform a registered keeper of the intent and in reasonable time to identify the driver not being afforded to a foreign driver would just become a form of discrimination. I can only see it as costing us far more than the fine to collect it, before even thinking about costs on implementation.

Suggestion in this mornings Western Mail that if the Spanish impose penalties on passage between Spain and Gibraltar we should tax all UK tourists flying to Spain - nice idea!

Or make them all sit around for 6 hours at Heathrow?

Or make them all sit around for 6 hours at Heathrow?

You often have to now, for many other reasons.