Brits under attack abroad from highway pirates
A growing number of Brits are being targeted by “highway pirates†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: “Crime can be a real issue, with a growing number of British motorists, particularly those towing caravans, being targeted by ‘highway pirates’ and losing their valuables in a ‘motorway mugging’.
“With 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 don’t take their driving license and car registration documents and nearly two thirds don’t carry details of their breakdown policy.
“Almost three quarters of over 55s wouldn’t be prepared in an emergency as they don’t carry telephone numbers for local emergency services, breakdown services or the local British Consulate.â€
Tips and advice on driving and road safety abroad can be found on the FCO’s website – www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
By Dinah Hatch
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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