Foreign-registered HGVs are still causing crashes costing an estimated £52m every year, despite Department for Transport initiatives aimed at improving their safety record.

According to analysis by Accident Exchange the annual number of crashes on UK roads involving foreign-registered lorries could be as high as 9,800.

The company drew its conclusions after looking at over 100,000 reported road traffic incidents it had handled between March 2006 and March 2008.

A significant 46% of incidents involving foreign lorries occurred on motorways.

Repair bills averaged nearly £3,750 but were in some cases as high as £5,647.

Independent insurance assessors classified nearly 10% as total write-offs.

"The rate of incidents may be rising, but so too is the escalating cost," explains Steve Evans, chief executive of Accident Exchange.

"The awareness of British drivers to the dangers is just as important if this figure is to be reduced.

"Too few UK motorists realise that left-hand drive HGVs are unable to see vehicles overtaking them on the right.

"A greater appreciation would help."