A hotel owner in the Scottish Highlands has come up with a unique solution to tackle the alarming rise in road accidents involving tourists. Robert Marshall, inspired by a nerve-wracking driving experience in Tenerife, invented the “Tourist Plate”, a removable adhesive sticker that informs other drivers that the vehicle is being driven by a tourist.
“I was completely stressed, driving on the wrong side, and no one had any patience,” said Marshall. The idea struck him during the ordeal, wishing locals could tell he wasn’t familiar with the roads. Back home in Scotland, especially on the A9 highway, accidents involving tourists have risen sharply, with almost 50 deaths in the last decade. Many incidents are caused by visitors unfamiliar with UK driving rules, including switching lanes or driving on the wrong side.
Transport Scotland reports that crashes involving foreign drivers on the wrong side of the road have surged by 46% in the past year alone. The BBC previously highlighted that US tourists in particular have required targeted safety briefings. Marshall, now working alongside road safety advocate Laùra Hänsler, says the T-plate can prevent confusion and hesitation on the roads. Hänsler warned, “The infrastructure is practically on its knees. We’re suffering from overtourism.”
With these simple but visible markers, the hope is to improve communication between drivers and reduce the number of tragic incidents. Marshall is now in talks with local authorities to make T-plates widely available at airports, rental car services, and tourist centers. He believes widespread adoption could significantly reduce pressure on emergency services during peak tourist seasons. Campaigners also suggest including T-plates in tourist welcome packs to raise early awareness.
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