A NEW report into road safety in Britain has revealed shocking figures about the number of crashes a year caused by European drivers.

In the report by the Association of British Insurers about 18,000 crashes a year in the UK are caused by drivers from continental Europe.

One of the major problems identified by the association is the language barrier, with foreign drivers unable to understand signs in other countries.

Cathy Keeler, head of campaigns at Brake, the Huddersfield-based national road safety charity, said: “This report confirms what Brake already feared.

“The lack of co-ordination of driving legislation and enforcement across Europe means drivers feel they can get away with not sticking to, or understanding, local laws.”

There is also a lack of information-sharing across EU countries, which could result in drivers who commit offences in one country escaping punishment when the return to their home country.

Vehicle licensing laws also vary hugely across Europe, meaning foreign vehicles on UK roads are not necessarily up to the standard of other countries.

Ms Keeler added: “The differences between countries may be an inconvenience for drivers, but foreign drivers who fail to adapt put themselves and other people at risk.”