Half of drivers in a recent survey admitted they had been penalised for at least one traffic offence whilst travelling abroad.
Many are also unaware of the valid registration documents needed to take a company or leased car across the channel.
Not only are there the standard rules and regulations on driving abroad, but drivers of leased vehicles must notify their leasing company, as the owners of the vehicle, prior to travel to obtain a Vehicle on Hire (VE103) certificate – in lieu of a vehicle registration certificate (V5C) – and a letter giving written permission needed to drive their car overseas.
With the increasing popularity among individuals of cars purchased under Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – nearly two-thirds (59%) of all private new cars in the twelve months to July 2015 were purchased this way2 – LeasePlan UK – part of the world’s largest fleet and vehicle management company – predicts thousands of British motorists could be driving abroad, unaware of the rules and regulations that comply with European Legislation.
Lesley Slater, Operations and Business Development Director, LeasePlan UK, commented: “Last year we took 6,817 calls from our customers requesting permission to take their vehicles overseas.
“On average, 4.2 million Britons travel to Europe each year and with the growing popularity of leasing in the UK, we believe thousands of motorists could be falling foul of European legislation when driving across the Channel this year.
“We urge drivers who lease their car to contact their vehicle management company prior to travel, so the VE103 form can be processed and sent to the driver in time for the off, to avoid stiff financial penalties or even imprisonment. It’s also worth calling your breakdown provider to ensure you have European breakdown cover, otherwise a repatriation of a vehicle can end up costing more than the holiday itself.”