New DVLA rule means drivers can be hit with unpaid EU fines
Since Brexit. there has been no formal system allowing foreign governments to impose fines on UK drivers.
Drivers could be hit with huge unpaid traffic fines after the UK agreed a landmark deal with the European Union. The new 'reset' deal, which was confirmed last week, will allow the UK and European Union to 'set up automated searching of vehicle registration data'.
Since the UK's departure from the EU, there has been no formal system allowing foreign governments to impose fines on UK drivers and until now motorists have not been issued with postal fines for minor driving offences committed in the EU.
However, under the 'Internal security and judicial cooperation' section of the new agreement, section 53 outlines plans to reinforce mutual exchanges of data between the EU and the UK.
It also stated: "Acknowledge the requirement in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to set up automated searching of vehicle registration data."
This means drivers can be issued with a fine while travelling in Europe if they are stopped by police in EU member states, even after Brexit, reports Birmingham Live.
And it means motorists who leave the country they are visiting with unpaid fines face a new crackdown as their details will now be able to be found.
According to the agreement, changes could be introduced for fingerprints, DNA, and criminal records of third-country nationals
After shaking hands on the deal with the EU's Ursula von der Leyen in London last week, the Prime Minister said: "Britain is back on the world stage.
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'It gives us unprecedented access to the EU market, the best of any country … all while sticking to the red lines in our manifesto.'
Von der Leyen described it as 'a historic moment … opening a new chapter in our unique relationship'.
The documents published on the Labour Party government website in the wake of the deal also stated: "Acknowledge the requirement in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to set up automated searching of vehicle registration data."
Rachel Reeves said Monday's agreement was 'the best deal with the EU for any country' and would show 'Britain now is the place to put investment and do business, because we've got preferential deals with the biggest economies'.
Starmer said he wanted UK holidaymakers to be able to use e-gates in EU countries 'as soon as possible', but the final move will be up to individual states. 'There's no inhibition on this, so I want to see it done quickly,' he said.
'For holidaymakers wanting to get out this summer they will want to know that they can do so easily and without delay and chaos.'
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'This deal is taking us to the past and that is why we call it surrender.' She stopped short of saying she would rip up the terms of the deal, saying only that she would seek to renegotiate should the Tories return to power.
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