Holiday motorists advised to prepare for trips

Holidaymakers who plan to take their cars abroad to countries such as France or Holland have been advised to prepare before they leave.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued the advice, which is particularly aimed at those aged over 55 who research has shown are most likely to take their cars on holiday.

It explained that due to the ease of hopping over the Channel to France on a ferry for the day, many people fail to take their important documents with them.

Pamela Deegan, vice-consul in Lille, France, said: "A lot of people think that it's not worth taking out travel insurance just for a day trip, but if you fall ill or injure yourself abroad and require medical treatment it can be extremely costly if you don’t have insurance."

The FCO added that research has found that over half of those who drive abroad do not take their driving licenses with them and nearly two-thirds fail to carry details of their breakdown policy.

In related news, the Institute of Advanced Motorists has informed holiday motorists that a new law has been introduced in France which makes it compulsory to have a reflective jacket in cars at all times.

The institute said that with nine million tourists expected to travel to France with their cars this year, the new legislation could affect a large number of holidaymakers.