Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from other European Union (EU) countries are more likely to cause accidents, according to research.

Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have revealed that European HGVs are three times more likely than British HGVs to cause crashes on Britain's roads.

The news will come as a warning to the government, which is keen to improve road safety.

It will also add weight to the argument for tighter regulation of foreign drivers.

The ABI study also showed that in total, foreign drivers are responsible for 18,000 accidents in Britain each year.

Britons meanwhile caused 6,000 accidents while driving in other member countries during 2006.

"Greater movement throughout Europe must not mean more dangerous roads," Stephen Haddrill, the ABI's director general, urged.

The ABI is leading a new initiative to promote safer driving throughout the EU, as more and more people drive outside their country of residence.

Separately, there have been calls for foreign HGV drivers to face new charges for using Britain's roads.

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