Spanish drivers caught flouting the speed limits in France can expect a fine through the post next time they return from holiday from across the Pyrenées.

The crackdown is thanks to a reciprocal agreement between the two countries which traffic authorities hope will put an end to speeding and other infractions by foreign drivers.

The new law, which comes into force on Thursday, is part of an upcoming EU agreement which will allow the free transfer of vehicle registration numbers between member states.

The European Union is adopting this arrangement progressively, except in Britain, Ireland and Denmark which have refused to sign up.

According to official data, one in every four fines issued to foreign drivers never reaches the offending driver.

From August 1st, traffic police in Spain in France will be clamping down on not only speeding, but also issuing fines to foreign drivers who jump a red light, are caught using their mobile phones, get in the wrong lane or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.