COMPANY car drivers travelling in Austria will now have to wear a reflective jacket in the event of roadside breakdown or face being fined by the country’s police.

From this month, it has become law for a motorist to wear such a jacket if they get out of a broken-down vehicle.

A fine of E29 (£20) will be handed out to motorists who fail to comply and its introduction follows similar moves in Italy and Spain during last summer, although the fine in those countries can be up to E139 (£95).

The move has prompted National Car Rental to equip all its vehicles in Austria with two reflective jackets.

Neil Summerville, vice-president franchising at the daily rental company, said: ‘At National we are committed to helping our customers drive safely. We therefore see it as our responsibility to ensure all our vehicles in Spain, Italy and now Austria are equipped with reflective jackets at no extra cost to the customer.

‘We want our customers to have peace of mind that they are complying with the law, alowing them to focus on getting to their destination safely and securely.’