MORE than 7,000 foreign drivers have been caught by speed cameras in Scotland since the start of 2013 - but not one was fined.

The motorists all avoided justice despite some driving in excess of 100mph.

Figures show 7,196 foreign drivers were captured on speed cameras over the period - almost 11 every day.

Road safety campaigners described the figures as "chilling". They blame the problem on police not having access to a European database that would help them identify foreign speeders.

As well as posing a risk to road users, the drivers avoided a minimum in fines of £720,000 over the period.

The worst area in Scotland between January 2013 and October 12 this year was Edinburgh, Lothian and the Borders with 5,038 cases.

The highest foreign speeder caught in these areas was travelling at 106mph on the 70mph limit A1 dual carriageway at Gladsmuir, East Lothian.

Another was caught driving at 72mph in a 30mph limit in Lindsay Road, in Bathfield, Edinburgh.

The highest speed recorded anywhere in Scotland was 108mph on the A90 Dundee to Aberdeen road near Mill of Forest, Stonehaven.

One of the most dangerous cases involved a driver caught travelling at 99mph on a 60mph two-lane stretch of the A9 at Golspie, 50 miles north of Inverness.

British motorists driving at similar speeds would almost certainly be forced to appear in court, where they would face a lengthy driving ban and a fine of up £2,500.

Margaret Dekker, secretary of Scotland's Campaign Against Irresponsible Drivers (SCID), said: "I am shocked - it does not send out a good road safety message. It's not a victimless crime."

Ms Dekker said part of the issue was the UK Government retained control over measures to investigate motoring offences committed by foreigners.

She said: "Westminster can't be taking road safety very seriously. The UK has refused to sign a cross-border road safety agreement with Europe. How can the Government be serious about road safety education when it is setting a wedge between British and foreign nationals who offend?"

An AA spokesman said: "The concern is foreign drivers are getting away with it. There are plenty of Scottish and British drivers who are a menace on the continent. The difference is, authorities in Europe can chase them back to their homes via collection agencies using DVLA information. That does not happen the other way round."