09 July 2008

Brits under attack abroad from highway pirates

A growing number of Brits are being targeted by Ã¢â¬Åâœhighway piratesÃ¢â¬~ while on motoring holidays abroad, according to the Foreign Office.

And it adds that a whopping two thirds of Brits over 55 run into trouble on the roads around the world, be it getting badly lost, driving on the wrong side of the road or being motorway mugged.

Launching its Steer Clear campaign, the FCO has commissioned research that shows that we prepare very poorly for trips overseas involving cars.

A spokesman said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœCrime can be a real issue, with a growing number of British motorists, particularly those towing caravans, being targeted by Ã¢â¬Ëœhighway piratesÃ¢â¬â¢ and losing their valuables in a Ã¢â¬Ëœmotorway muggingÃ¢â¬â¢.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWith its research showing that the over 55s are the holidaymakers most likely to drive a car abroad, the FCO is urging them to prepare before they set off.

"Over half of those who drive their own car abroad donÃ¢â¬â¢t take their driving license and car registration documents and nearly two thirds donÃ¢â¬â¢t carry details of their breakdown policy.

"Almost three quarters of over 55s wouldnÃ¢â¬â¢t be prepared in an emergency as they donÃ¢â¬â¢t carry telephone numbers for local emergency services, breakdown services or the local British Consulate.Ã¢â¬~

Tips and advice on driving and road safety abroad can be found on the FCOÃ¢â¬â¢s website Ã¢â¬' www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

By Dinah Hatch