Tracking down drivers who commit traffic offences abroad will become easier as MEPs vote on plans to improve information exchange between European police forces.

Safer roads for all

These dramatic images  still form a part of our daily life.

Nevertheless, the number of road deaths  in the EU is decreasing year after year.

In 2001, 54,400 people were killed on  the roads compared with 31,000 in 2010:

According to the Belgian police  an extra 500 lives per year could be saved

by going after drivers who commit traffic  offences outside their home country.

As information exchange between  EU police forces becomes more direct,

reckless drivers  will have to be more vigilant.

We can correctly identify the driver,  notify them of the penalty

and possibly, depending on the  procedures which remain up to the states,

This compulsory exchange of information  is a step forward,

but impunity could still remain the rule.

Penalties and proceedings across borders  will be carried out on a voluntary basis.

Prosecution can take place,  but it’s not binding like we had hoped,

because for example someone  who drives under the influence of alcohol,

and endangers other road users, should  be punished in one country like the next.

After the MEPs vote  during this July plenary,

these provisions should enter  into force in 2013 or 2014.