Motorists rights downgraded

Motoring may become a little more expensive in 2010 thanks to new regulations that the government are pushing unopposed though Parliament.

The Partido Popular is in complete disagreement with the new proposed laws, as are motoring groups and National Newspapers. The PP abstained from voting against the legislation in principle while El Pias newspaper has said that the plans “make it easier to pay fines, but do nothing for driver’s rights’.

In essence, the PSOE are advocating not giving out points for wrong doers but offering them an opportunity to pay fines or sit classes, to regain points lost! This is completely different as to what other law enforcement agencies have been working towards around Europe. From Spring 2010, drivers can be given a ticket for travelling at just one kilometre per hour over the speed limit! The fine, €100, or €50 if you pay on the spot or within 15-days. No longer shall you have that 10-kph leeway! It’s not until you are travelling at 30-kph over the speed limit that you are liable for points, unless you are driving carelessly or dangerously. (so - got 50 to burn, just drive at 29 kph over the limit most of the time and more or less disregard the speed limit!). 

Motoring journalists, RACE and the PP have pointed out that one might as well drive at 30-kph over the speed limit, if one is willing to drive at just one-kph over! The PSOE have not commented on that one! There shall also be more Speed cameras placed on the AP7 this summer, especially north of Alicante to and from Benidorm plus new unmarked ‘Q’ cars video taping your activities; especially if you are using a mobile phone, programming a Sat Nav device, driving without due care and attention or have an ‘unsafe load’ onboard, including pets or shopping, which can be launched forward and cause injury in case of an accident. At present there are six Mercedes ‘Q’ cars in operation in Madrid. 

As a motorist this seems like nothing more than a get rich quick scheme from the PSOE Government. They have dragged their heels on allowing EU residents to drive on their own country's driving licenses, introduced new legislation regarding booster seats for all those under five foot tall, had to reluctantly say that all motorists no longer have to carry extra bulbs in their cars (what happens if you have a sealed beam or gas unit!) and no one seems to know what documents one has to carry in the car! Remember, guilty until proved innocent! 

Money raised from fines in to go towards road safety. Maybe by putting crash barriers in place that don't kill motor cyclists on impact or allow a car to run directly into a drainage ditch, might be a better place to start!. Just IMHO. 

You’ve now been warned. Happy motoring!

Keith Nicol

Torrevieja's Walking Tours for summer 2009

Many residents and visitors to Torrevieja are missing out on discovering more about the city just because many of the sights are too close to home.

One passes them frequently, always promising oneself to one-day find out more about what’s behind those closed doors or in many cases, open but what might seem to be, uninviting ones! Now is your chance. No more excuses as Torrevieja is offering complimentary walking tours of the City Centre every Tuesday and Thursday though to September 15th, 2009. 

As more and more of Torrevieja is landscaped and made more accessible to pedestrians it’s now easier than ever to safely walk the streets and with the assistance of two qualified tour guides, now is your opportunity. The tours are given in both Spanish and English and available for groups of up to 20 (please book ahead of time), families and individuals to join in. There are three tours each day, at 0900, 1100 and 1700 hrs and up to twenty people can participate.

Each tour lasts around one hour forty-five minutes and on route you’ll discover many of Torrevieja’s hidden sights, the history of salt, shipbuilding, music and culture, plus a lot more. To book your place on a tour, or to organise a group, please phone 666 579 949 for more information.  Don’t forget to wear a hat, some comfortable shoes, bring some water, and your camera.