SPEED limits - or lack of them - throughout continental Europe are making British drivers take their eye off the speedometer.

Over a quarter (28 per cent) of British motorists who have driven abroad on holiday say they have accidentally broken speed restrictions on their return after getting used to higher continental limits, according to new research from safe driver champion Privilege Insurance.

Less safe drivers - those without four-plus years no claims discount - are most likely to come back from continental Europe and speed (35 per cent).

With the range of speed limits across continental Europe's motorways, from 75mph (120kph) in Spain and Switzerland to Germany's almost limitless autobahn, nearly half (49 per cent) of British drivers say they would like to see a universal speed limit applied across Europe.

The research by Privilege Insurance reveals the rise of 'speed tourism'.

Almost half a million (three per cent) British drivers say they have visited continental Europe specifically to drive at higher speeds, with men the biggest culprits.