The modified rules have been published by the European Commission and are being supported by Brake, the road safety charity, along with TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network.

The new rules would allow police across the EU to pursue traffic offences against drivers of vehicles registered in another member state, fixing the current situation whereby non-resident drivers are able to escape prosecution for risky driving offences such as speeding.

According to figures, closing the loophole could save an estimated 350 to 400 lives a year on Europe's roads.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: ‘Through our support services for people bereaved and injured by road crashes, we see time and time again the devastation caused by illegal driving behaviour. The impact is just as catastrophic regardless of where the driver or vehicle is from. Imagine how insulting and incomprehensible it must be then for victims when a driver who puts lives at risk escapes prosecution because their vehicle is registered in another country. Illegal driving crosses borders, so enforcement must cross borders too. We are fully behind this proposal, which would help prevent needless tragedies across Europe.’