Motoring off for the eggs-tra long Easter break?
Those workers savvy enough to book off the three days in between the two, four-day bank holiday weekends in April (getting 7 working days off but just using 3 of their holiday entitlement), may well be planning to escape to the Continent. However, warns pan-European roadside assistance experts, Mondial Assistance, eager holidaymakers should research the rules of the road of their destination and check that their roadside assistance policy extends to Europe before leaving home.
Motorists taking advantage of Easter, the Royal Wedding and the May Bank Holiday, could however unwittingly commit numerous driving offences or fall victim of hefty vehicle repair bills whilst abroad. Lee Taylor, Automotive Director for Mondial Assistance UK explains, “British motorists are always surprised by the fact they can be fined on the spot in other countries. In France, for example, speeding offences, can result in, not only fines ranging from 135€ to 1,500€, but the requirement to attend a court hearing as well*.”
Motorists should also ensure that they have adequate breakdown cover, just in case they suffer an unexpected motoring emergency. The cost of recovering a vehicle back to the UK will have a dramatic impact on the total cost of a holiday, warns Mondial Assistance UK.
“We recommend people check that they have breakdown cover and that it includes the cost of accommodation and onward travel if they are stranded miles from home, as well as the cost of recovering the vehicle back to the UK. Travellers should always keep the phone number of their roadside assistance provider close to hand, saving them added stress should any motoring difficulties arise.”
Mondial’s Top Tips for Driving Abroad
Take your driving licence, insurance certificate, roadside assistance and vehicle registration document.
Check with your motor assistance provider that you have the right level of cover on your vehicle and whether the cover changes in continental Europe from that in the UK.
Request a Green Card from your insurance provider. The card is not required by law to cross borders within the EU, however if you don’t possess a green card it can mean that your fully comprehensive car insurance defaults to third party liability cover.
Plan your route in advance. Pack a map and/or GPS unit.
Have your car serviced if it is due and do the essential checks on oil, tyres, petrol, battery and water before you leave as these are the most common causes of breakdown.
Buy headlamp deflector strips and a warning triangle. Headlights must be dipped during the day, for example this is the law in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland.
Check you have a spare wheel and a jack, first-aid kit, jump leads, a torch, fuse kits, reflective jacket and spare car light bulbs.
Familiarise yourself with the country’s motoring laws. For example, blood-alcohol limits vary and are not always the same as in Britain.
Place a GB sticker on your car; if not you could get an on-the-spot fine. However you do not need a sticker if you have a GB Euro-symbol on your number plate.
Ensure you are driving at the country’s speed limits.