FLEET drivers who travel to Belgium are being warned that cruise control has been banned on congested motorways.

Belgian authorities have introduced a new road sign featuring a crossed red prohibitive sign circling the words ‘cruise control’ to warn drivers.

Drivers caught using the technology on congested motorways face a E50 (£35) on-the-spot fine or a maximum fine of €1,375 (£964) if they go to court.

Bert Morris, deputy director of the AA Motoring Trust, said: ‘This is the first time a restriction on the use of cruise control has been applied in Europe and follows a series of related accidents on Belgian motorways.

‘The signs are normally used only on motorways and only where the risk of rear-end accidents, due to congestion, is high.

‘The difficulty comes with enforcing the restriction and can only realistically be done following an accident where cruise control is a proven contributory factor.

‘However, UK motorists driving on Belgian motorways need to be aware.’