A BIDFORD councillor who was involved in a crash with a German motorist has welcomed news that foreign drivers could soon face on-the-spot police fines under new road safety laws.

The lorry driver whose vehicle was involved in a collision with Cllr Barnes' Range Rover escaped penalty after he left the country before any action could be taken.

During a lengthy campaign, Cllr Barnes contacted Warwickshire police about the incident but was told the police had no jurisdiction because the other driver was a German national.

Police informed him that because the German driver was back in his own country any summons would have to go through the Home Office.

They further stated that should a person fail to turn up at court, the court would not issue a warrant for his arrest, as they have no jurisdiction to execute the warrant in another country.

Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands, who tried to help Cllr Barnes pursue the matter, was told by Warwickshire police that although the European Arrest Warrant which came into law in 2004 makes it easier for the police to extradite suspects from EU countries, it is not recognised in Germany.

Germany's highest court recently declared the new warrant unconstitutional and contrary to the fundamental rights of the accused.

In light of this incident the government's Department of Transport has unveiled new plans to ensure all offenders, regardless of nationality, are properly dealt with when they break the law.

The provisions would enable the police and vehicle examiners working for the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to require an offender to pay a deposit in respect of the penalty their offence would create if they were unable to give a suitable address in the UK.