According to the results of research carried out by insurance company LV, the cost to the economy of foreign EU drivers will total £795 million in 2008 - a rise of more than £100 million from 2006.

The number of foreign EU drivers resident in the UK has risen by over 50% in the past six years, with 88% of these newcomers coming from 2004 onwards. LV’s results indicates that the ten countries that joined the EU in that year, have driven the increase in total EU drivers.

‘There has been a steep rise in drivers from other European countries over the past few years and our report shows the cost of insurance claims, accidents and potential congestion has escalated as well.’ said John O'Roarke, managing director of LV.