April 2022 | Page 16

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Scooter law in force

Passengers on the 8.08am AVE from Málaga to Madrid on March 14 were stranded in the station for two hours . Before the train had left Málaga , a live power cable fell onto the train , forcing lighting and ventilation to be switched off while travellers were told not to open doors or windows . Some passengers suffered anxiety attacks before the service was able to leave at around 10.00am .
Drunk driver
A 52-year-old man was found to be six times over the legal alcohol limit for professional drivers when his lorry was stopped on the A-7 near Vélez-Málaga last month . A Guardia Civil patrol was sent to find him after numerous calls from other drivers reporting he was driving slowly and moving erratically from lane to lane . The suspect faces a possible prison sentence of up to two years and a driving ban of six years .
Metro tests
Overnight tests have started on the new stretch of Málaga ’ s metro below the city ’ s Avenida de Andalucía and the Alameda Principal . The new line will extend the terminus of Line 1 from the station at El Perchel , with new stations at Guadalmedína and the terminus Atarazanas . It is hoped the extension will be open in time for the city ’ s annual fair which begins on August 12 .
Private hospital
A proposal has been submitted to build a private 20-room private hospital in Vélez-Málaga . Madrid-based HM Hospitals want to develop a two million square metre site in an area known as Las Canteras , which will also include 400 houses plus commercial units . Vélez- Málaga Town Hall is reported to be “ very interested ” in the project , subject to approval by the Junta de Andalucía .
The new traffic law which came into force on March 21 requires users of electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles to wear a safety helmet when travelling on the country ’ s roads . Councils have been given powers to regulate the new rules through by-laws , which include imposing fines of up to € 200 and immobilising the vehicle .
The new legislation also bans electric scooters from pavements , in pedestrian areas , on dual carriageways and motorways , through urban tunnels and in certain parts of towns . Scooter users may not wear earphones or use a mobile phone while travelling , must observe a maximum speed of 25 kph , and can be subjected to a breathalyser test .
Drivers found to be over the alcohol limit can be fined up to € 1,000 , while the limit for under-18s is zero , while

Fuel costs halt fishing fleets

Málaga ’ s fishing fleet has been severely hit by the rise in fuel prices , with the fleet based at Caleta de Vélez ceasing operations in common with colleagues nationwide . Boat owners say that in two months , the price of diesel has risen by 109 per cent and the situation is becoming unviable .
Trawlers are reported to be worst hit because they can presently cost up to € 1,000 to fill with fuel for a period at sea . The Andalucían Federation of Fishing Associations says that diesel now accounts for an average of 70 per cent of a boat ’ s running costs , compared with 40 per cent in January , resulting in some owners giving up fishing ,
Their problems , it adds , have been exacerbated by the EU which has reduced the number of days on which a boat can work . Three years ago , this totalled 240 days but has since been cut to 170 , whereas owners say they must work 190 days to remain profitable . the use of e-scooters at night is banned unless the rider wears reflective clothing or displays lights .
However , there appears to remain some confusion arising in the event of a scooter being involved in a road accident . Spain ’ s traffic authority , the DGT , says insurance is not obligatory , but adds that riders may be covered by their household insurance policy . In the event of a rider not being insured or fleeing from the scene of an incident , cases which are proven can be referred to the Insurance Compensation Consortium .
There are estimated to be more than a million personal mobility vehicles , such as e-scooters , circulating every day in Spain . In 2020 , eight users died , 97 were hospitalized and a further 1,097 were injured , according to DGT figures .
On top of this , says the Federation , the price which owners can charge for their catch has fallen . After spending € 1,000 on fuel , it adds , the boat owner may only earn € 800 from selling what was caught .
Things came to a head on March 18 when the National Federation of Fishermen ’ s Guilds announced that the country ’ s boats would remain in port until March 23 . A meeting between the Federation and the Government was then scheduled in an effort to find a solution to the problem .
Fraudulent agent
The German owner of a tourism agency in Torrox may face four years in jail after allegedly keeping money paid to him by clients . He is being charged with fraud after retaining cash which he received for excursions and hotel bookings , without making the corresponding reservations . The 61- year-old was expected to appear in Málaga ’ s Provincial Court late last month .
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