COMPANY car drivers could be more likely to speed when they return from mainland Europe after getting used to higher continental speed limits.

New research shows that 28% of British motorists who have driven abroad say they have accidentally broken limits on their return home.

Speed restrictions range across Europe from 75mph in Spain to no limit at all in parts of Germany.

This has given rise to ‘speed tourism’, with half a million British drivers visiting Europe specifically to drive at higher speeds.

According to Privilege Insurance, which carried out the research, 49% of the 2,161 UK drivers questioned would like to see a universal limit across Europe.

The firm’s managing director, Ian Parker, said: ‘With high numbers flocking to the World Cup and on holidays in Continental Europe this summer, UK drivers may find themselves getting used to higher speed limits so should take extra care on their return to the UK.

'We know how tempting it can be to drive fast where speed limits are less rigid than in the UK, but almost one in 10 accidents happen when motorists are speeding.’