Spanish traffic and driving regulations can be problematic for the foreign resident community in our area. The application of different rules in each country and the current points-based system can result in significant fines and even the loss of a driving licence, simply due to a lack of knowledge. For this reason, the Mijas Foreigners Department organised an informative talk on the subject last Wednesday, 7th of May, at the La Cala Branch Office.

According to the councillor in charge of this department, Mario Bravo (PP), “it’s about helping the foreign population, not just the British, understand certain traffic rules which in Spain are different from those in other European countries, and for which they might be penalised, often resulting in unwanted fines. When someone moves to a new country, it’s important to follow that country’s rules, even if they are different from their own”. The councillor also stressed the importance of remembering the rules “regarding child car seats, seat belts, bulky items and packages placed on the roof of the vehicle”.

 

Civil Guard and Traffic Police

With the collaboration of a traffic officer from the Civil Guard, Francisco Javier Morales, and several instructors from British driving schools, attendees were informed about the differences between the Spanish traffic code and that of other countries. According to Morales, who is also the creator of the website n332.es, “many foreigners, due to the language barrier, come to Spain with their driving licence but don’t know our regulations, and that’s why they commit offences. It’s not because they don’t want to follow the rules, but because their country’s regulations are similar to ours, but with slight differences.”

There was also a strong focus on the effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on driving. In fact, some attendees tested simulation goggles to understand the impact of substances like cannabis or alcohol behind the wheel.

Finally, Morales explained that in addition to the website, where they translate all DGT information into English, there is also an N332 Facebook page, and they have created a driving guide for Spain.

 

More activities

Mijas Felina is celebrating its tenth anniversary and is doing so by organising a very special event, which will take place on Sunday 18th of May, from 10 to 15 hours, in the La Cala Branch Office Square. The celebration will feature belly dancing, bachata, arts and crafts and street markets, as well as tapas, homemade sweets and refreshments. All proceeds will go towards the sterilisation, feeding and care of the community cats. 

“This year we have already neutered around 400 cats, we also have many sick or injured cats, so we need funds and that’s why we are here”, explained the head of Mijas Felina, Manuela Bernardo, who presented the event on Wednesday 7th. With this event the group wants to celebrate the 10 years that they have been working for the welfare of community cats, “in these years we have seen many positive changes. Awareness has changed enormously, campaigns are now being carried out with the Town Hall to change the way cats are fed, but our aim is to go further”, said Luisa Grijales, also a member of Mijas Felina. 

“We have organised this with the collaboration of the Foreigners’ Department, who we want to thank because they are always there to help us”, added Bernardo, while Grijales emphasised: “It’s an opportunity to come and see the work we do, people who are great cooks are going to bring their dishes, there will be crafts and performances. It’s about coming and supporting us, we want them to have a great time, to be with us, but also to bring their piggy banks so that we can fill ours, which is what the day is all about”.

The solidarity tables ‘Make solidarity your gift this year’ will be set up again at the La Cala Branch Office Square on the last Wednesdays and Saturdays of April and May. In this initiative, different collectives are taking part with the aim of raising funds for charitable purposes. The Lions Club, Mijas Felina and Donkey Dreamland are some of them.

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