UK drivers are among the most law-abiding and responsible in Europe, a continent-wide study has revealed.

British motorists are far less likely than their fellow Europeans to enjoy fast driving, pick up a speeding fine or use mobile phones while behind the wheel.

The findings were highlighted by the RAC Foundation which said the results prompted it to question some of the road safety tactics being used in the UK.

Funded by the EC with the support of, among others, the UK's Department for Transport, the study was carried out in 23 European countries, with around 1,000 drivers being interviewed in each country.

The study showed:

29 per cent of UK drivers admit to driving fast compared with the European average of 36 per cent, with only the Irish, the Croats and the Finns having a lower percentage

Nine per cent of drivers were penalised for speeding in the UK between 2001 and 2004 against the European average of 18 per cent, with the Netherlands having the highest figure -- 46 per cent

Only 11 per cent of UK drivers say wearing a seatbelt is not necessary if they drive carefully, compared with the European average of 19 per cent

14 per cent of UK motorists say they make at least one telephone call per day while driving compared with the European average of 28 per cent and with the Cypriot drivers' figure of 46 per cent

Fewer than ten per cent of UK drivers were breathalysed over the period 2001-04, compared with the European average of 26 per cent and a figure of 60 per cent for Finnish drivers

66 per cent of UK motorists reckon they are less dangerous drivers than most of their European counterparts, compared with a European average of 63 per cent and a figure of 77 per cent for Italians.