Lord Berkeleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many foreign-registered cars and lorries have been caught speeding by speed cameras; what is the procedure for sending notices of fines to drivers in other European Union (EU) member states; and how many drivers of such vehicles have paid the fines. [HL4878]
139WA
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalInformation is not held centrally on the number of foreign-registered cars and lorries caught speeding by speed cameras. Enforcement of road traffic law including speeding offences is a matter for the police of the country where the offence is committed but the Government do not believe that those who commit offences in this country should evade justice simply by returning home. The Government have agreed with our EU partners a framework decision on the mutual recognition of financial penalties. This will allow the UK to ask another EU member state to enforce any fine imposed here totalling 70 euros or more, and for the UK to enforce fines imposed abroad.
A number of offending foreign drivers stopped by the police following detection by speed camera and charged with a speeding offence do opt for a court appearance rather than leave the country. In general the courts collect the fine from convicted foreign drivers at the court appearance either by cash or credit card.