It can be 'Elk' Out There Driving in Europe

FOREST ROW, England, June 19 -- The foreign holiday season is getting into full swing and road safety champion, GEM Motoring Assist, (GEM) believes that many British motorists will be ignorantly breaking the law as they cross the channel and start driving on continental roads.

"We may consider road regulations in the UK to be rigorous and extreme, but our legal requirements for being on the road are straightforward compared to some in Europe," says David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM that has just published a new free guide called Your Introduction to Driving in Europe.

He insists that it is all too easy for British drivers to fall foul of complicated regulations which could result in swingeing on the spot fines or even a vehicle being confiscated - ruining a happy holiday or frustrating a business trip.

"The guide really aims to cut through the confusion and point people in the right direction with some basic 'do's and don'ts' so the trip abroad is as safe and enjoyable as possible," says David.

The guide is divided into sections covering preparations before the journey, a summary of information country by country and what to do if things go wrong. It provides useful reminders such as keeping evidence of ownership and a current MOT, if applicable, with you - but not leaving a registration document in the car.

On a country by country basis the booklet points out that a UK driving licence without a photograph is not valid in Austria, where, also, caravans must not be parked within 500m of a lake.

In Belgium cruise control must not be used on a motorway when traffic is heavy.

In Denmark cars towing caravans are prohibited from overtaking on motorways at certain times of day and cyclists often have priority over other vehicles.

It is an offence to run out of fuel on a German motorway and in Greece carrying a petrol can in a car is forbidden.

In Italy police can impound cars if the driver cannot present relevant ownership documents when requested, and in Norway vehicles travelling downhill have priority.

In Spain if you use glasses you must have a spare pair in the car.

In Finland if you hit an Elk or Deer you must report the collision to the police.

The free guide gives a useful check list and contact points for more information and is available from GEM Motoring Assist at Station Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5EN or call +44-(0)1342-825676.

For more information on GEM visit www.motoringassist.com.