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Alphabet issues a guide to Euro driving

Alphabet travel
Sun, sea ... and substantial fines if you get it wrong driving abroad

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1 August 2016

THERE’S help at hand for the large number of British motorists preparing to drive to neighbouring European countries this summer as Alphabet issues a guide to Euro driving – with a reminder that failing to thoroughly check company cars and country-specific driving requirements can land them with substantial driving fines.

With 83% of drivers admitting they are scared of breaking down in a country where they can’t speak the language, according to a Green Flag survey, and over half considering themselves nervous while driving abroad, drivers need to research driving laws of the European country they are travelling to in order to arm themselves against legal repercussions.

To help drivers understand confusing and sometimes conflicting information, Alphabet has created a guide offering country-specific information.

Mark Gibson, Alphabet’s head of marketing & business development, highlights three key considerations:

Take the correct documents

Driving licence, motor insurance certification and vehicle registration documents – such as a V5 form or a VE103 should you be driving a leased vehicle –  should be packed as well as your passport when planning a trip abroad.

Drivers need to check that their UK car insurance extends into European countries or risk paying an extra premium to extend the policy during their trip. In some countries, drivers may be fined on the spot if they fail to produce any of these documents, particularly in the case of an accident.

Ensure your car has the full kit

Many European countries make it compulsory to carry certain items in a vehicle, which often differ from UK regulations. For example, drivers in France must carry an approved breathalyser self-test kit, while those in Switzerland require a warning triangle by law.

Thoroughly researching and steadily building up a comprehensive suite of equipment ahead of a trip abroad will ensure you have all of the kit required by the local laws in the case of a breakdown or incident.

Don’t forget the basics

Simple actions such as adjusting headlamp beams for right-hand driving to prevent dazzle, remembering to display a GB sticker and checking the need for an International Driving Permit and vignette can be the difference between stress-free holiday and an unnecessarily expensive one, with the potential for on-the-spot fines.

Gibson comments: “More of us than ever before are choosing to take our cars abroad, but only a handful admit to thoroughly checking their vehicle and the driving regulations of the countries they’re visiting before setting off.

“Our ‘driving abroad at-a-glance’ guide provides drivers with the essential information in a simple, handy format. The guide includes information for 18 European countries, including speed limits, driving age and necessary equipment. We hope this provides drivers with peace of mind so they can enjoy their getaway this summer.”

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