UK tourists in Spain, Greece, Italy, France, and Portugal warned over 'flip-flop fine'

Brits heading to Europe this summer should be aware that countries including Spain, Greece, France, Portugal and Italy are reportedly cracking down on drivers who wear flip-flops behind the wheel. Tourists have been urged to think carefully about their footwear while driving in those holiday hotspots to avoid a potential fine.

In the UK driving in flip-flops isn't against the law, but drivers have to make sure their footwear and clothing don't interfere with their ability to operate a vehicle. It's a similar situation in Spain, where there isn't an outright ban on driving in flip-flops or in sandals or with barefeet. However, if you get stopped by traffic police and they consider your footwear unsafe you can be fined up to £173 (200 euros), according to Travel and Tour World.

Greece takes a similar approach, urging motorists to drive carefully, with fines up to £86 (100 euros) if you drive in footwear considered unsafe.

Penalties apply in Italy as well, where again flip-flops aren't banned for drivers, but footwear should not get in the way of your driving.

Unsuitable footwear can also lead to fines in France and Portugal where drivers must make sure they do so in a way that is safe and in a way which isn't impaired, according to Travel and Tour World.

Enforcement can be ramped up in popular tourist destinations such as the French Riviera, Santorini, Crete and the Algarve.

Top tourist destinations in Europe have introduced a series of hefty fines in recent months in a bid to curb unruly behaviour.

These include penalties for smoking on beaches, wearing swimwear away from the seaside and drinking on streets.

Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press at the Spanish Tourism Office in London, told the BBC the rules are about encouraging responsible behaviour.

She told the broadcaster: "They are designed to protect the holiday experiences of the vast majority of people who behave responsibly on holiday."

In Malaga, authorities have introduced a guide to improving tourists' visits, including disposing of litter properly, not going shirtless in public places, not cycling on pavements and not being rowdy in residential neighbourhoods.

Around Europe fines are increasing in number. Hiking Italy's Cinque Terre in footwear deemed inappropriate can lead to £2,180 (2,500 euros) fines.

France fines smokers £78 (90 euros) on the spot for lighting up in public beaches and playgrounds.

And taking a seashell from Greece could set you back £870 (1,000 euros), according to the BBC.