Car accidents may be seen if foreign drivers cannot be traced
The Metropolitan Police have admitted that the London force finds it difficult to prosecute foreign drivers in the UK, and warns that car accidents and personal injury may result if overseas drivers become blasé about UK law.
A spokesperson said, "Drivers avoiding fines are costing London millions in lost revenue, but more importantly it means that these foreign drivers are ignoring the rules of the road.
"If drivers know they cannot be traced they will not bother to obey the rules and that has important safety implications for everyone."
Methods are being explored that could close this loophole. However, the full implication of this for those people making a road traffic accident compensation claim is yet to be fully tested.
There are too few reports yet of compensation claims resulting from car accidents with unregistered foreign vehicles to make a definitive statement, but this should not dissuade any car crash victim from exploring his or her right to pursue damages.
*Where replacement vehicle costs can be recovered from the insurance company of the person who caused the accident.
Where this person is untraceable or uninsured, or where there is a dispute over liability, a replacement vehicle cannot
be provided.
