Letter from the Automobile Association
Thank you for allowing the AA the opportunity
to look at this. We have always had concerns about how drivers
may be treated abroad when they are suspected of serious traffic
offences or are involved in road accidents. That said, our overseas
assistance people have no recollection or record of anyone being
detained abroad in the manner covered by this document and telling
us of their experience.
Accordingly we find the proposal acceptable.
It may be worth pointing out that xenophobia
is alive and well among the British press and public. The idea
that a Frenchman caught and disqualified for drink driving in
Britain can drive on his return to France is abhorrent to most,
yet the idea that an offence committed in France could lead to
a Briton not being able to drive here is often also unacceptable.
I suspect that the same approach would apply to a serious motoring
offender—a Briton should not languish in a foreign jail,
yet a foreigner who say killed several people in this country
would be being treated with laxity if he were allowed home, even
under supervision or remaining in custody. To many the acceptability
of this proposal would hinge on how it was looked at, Englishman
abroad or foreigner here.
13 April 2007
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