MOTORISTS in East Lancashire heading for European holidays this summer have been given a double boost by Brussels in an effort to reduce the risk of their visits being spoiled.

As drivers set off with their caravans or tents, Lancashire Central's Euro-MP is backing calls to improve continental campsite safety and to speed up insurance claims for Britons in road accidents abroad.

Labour MEP Mark Hendrick supported the launch of a report by motoring and tourist organisations at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on safety at camp and caravan sites in the European Union.

Although most sites are safe, accidents do happen - the worst being the flash flood in Spain two years ago which killed 86 people.

The report's recommendations include a review of camp and caravan site safety procedures, a risk assessment of all proposed and existing sites, early warning systems and evacuation facilities such as emergency lighting. In most EU countries safety regulations for sites are mainly limited to fire prevention, storage of bottled gas and sanitation.

Several countries, including Britain, also insist on environmental impact assessments before a camp can be built.

Mr Hendrick said: "With lots of Lancashire families about to set off on their summer holidays, this report could not be more timely."

The MEP has also voted for a directive to simplify insurance claims for people who are victims of road accidents in other EU countries.

About half a million people are involved in such accidents every year.

Claims taken to courts abroad can take up to eight years to settle and the problem is compounded by the language barrier.

Now the EU is proposing to allow road accident victims to pursue claims in their home country.

Mr Hendrick said: "Struggling to pursue a claim in a foreign language and in a foreign court will be a thing of the past for victims of road accidents abroad."

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