Euro driving laws causing UK road mayhem

Speed limits - or lack of them - throughout continental Europe are making British drivers take their eye off the speedometer, according to new research from safe driver champion Privilege Insurance.

Over a quarter (28 per cent) of British motorists who have driven abroad on holiday say they have accidentally broken speed restrictions on their return after getting used to higher continental limits.

Less safe drivers - those without 4+ years no claims discount - are most likely to come back from continental Europe and speed (35 per cent).

With the confusing range of speed limits across continental Europe's motorways, from 75mph (120kph) in Spain and Switzerland to Germany's almost limitless Autobahn, nearly half (49 per cent) of British drivers say they would like to see a universal speed limit applied across Europe.

The research by Privilege Insurance reveals the rise of 'speed tourism'.

Almost half a million (3 per cent) British drivers say they have visited continental Europe specifically to drive at higher speeds, with men the biggest culprits.

Ian Parker, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance, said: "With high numbers flocking to the World Cup and on holidays in continental Europe this summer, UK drivers may find themselves getting used to higher speed limits so should take extra care on their return to the UK. We know how tempting it can be to drive fast where speed limits are less rigid than in the UK, but almost one in ten accidents happen when motorists are speeding so drivers need to be mindful of the speed limit to reduce the likelihood of accidents.

"It is clear from our research that some British drivers are heading abroad specifically to drive faster than they would at home and are forgetting the upper UK speed limit of 70mph (112kph) when they get back."