Cross- Border Drivers could soon be prosecuted for reckless and dangerous driving under new proposals due to be agreed by the European Parliament.

Under these new proposals drivers would be punished for traffic offences they commit abroad, including speeding, running red lights, failure to use seatbelts and driving under the influence of alcohol.

This law is to be brought in to improve the safety of the road network across Europe and ultimately reduce fatalities and serious accidents.

Previously drivers had been exempt from traffic laws because they are breaking them across the border or abroad.

EU figures presented to the European Council show that foreign drivers account for 5% of traffic in member states, but around 15% of speeding offences with a majority going unpunished with countries unable to pursue drivers once they return home.

A Fine Gael spokesperson said.'' If this proposal gets the go ahead, it will mean that drivers will not be exempt from traffic laws but it will remain up to each individual state as to how offences are prosecuted''.

He says this is also a major concern in the Border Counties in Ireland particularly at the weekend, have been using the Republic of Ireland's road network as their own personal playground and this issue must be addressed.