N332 RoadWatch - Issue 12 inc Easter Supplement

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Issue 12

The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments CHILD SEAT CHANGES – BLUE LIGHTS – PRIORITY VEHICLES – SPEED LIMITS – LIGHTING – ROUNDABOUTS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE

All of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017 N332.es

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Welcome to N332 RoadWatch Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch.

Easter is upon us and that means one thing in terms of road safety, one of the busiest times on the roads so far. After Christmas and the summer season, Easter is the next main holiday period, as many people choose to take advantage of the breaks from work to travel to coastal and mountainous areas, visiting family and friends, and generally enjoying the seasonal time.

Add to this the first main influx of foreign tourists into the country, we see the roads getting busy a they are mixing the normal daily traffic with both domestic and international tourists, some a little unaware of their surroundings, others embarking on a completely different driving experience than they are used to.

Patience, calmness and planning are called for, allowing extra time for whatever journey you might be making, and being aware that other road users around you may not be quite as used to the area as you are.

At the start of the holiday period we see the flow of traffic heading towards the coast. At the end of the period, they return back inland. In between we see more traffic visiting leisure and retail complexes, and, subject to weather conditions, the beaches.

In this edition we introduce you to the latest piece of equipment in the fight against unsafe driving, Velolaser, a new, portable speed detector, small enough to be carried on a motorbike, versatile enough to be set up anywhere.

We also look at the new child seat profiling system, and a look at how to deal with priority vehicles, as well as reassurances about the medical requirements for renewing your driving licence in Spain.

For now, enjoy this edition and stay safe.

Please don´t copy any part of this publication because it is protected by copyright law.

Copyright © 2018 Mark Nolan and N332.es All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” to the email address, news@n332.es.

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Five School Bus Drivers Tested Positive for Drugs During the latest campaign checking the safety requirements of school buses, more than 3,500 vehicles were checked, with five drivers testing positive for drugs, and a further 9 drivers reported for driving in excess of the maximum permitted speed.

During the five-day campaign, a total of 3,557 vehicles were checked by officers the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues from local police forces, resulting 1,416 offences being reported, mainly due to administrative irregularities. A lack special school transport authorisation and unlimited liability insurance continue be the most numerous irregularities amongst the controlled vehicles.

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One of the drivers was in charge of a school bus carrying 42 high school students and was arrested by the Santomera (Murcia) Local Police after he was found to be almost five-times over the permitted alcohol limit.

The arrest occurred when the 58-year-old driver was carrying the students between the two educational institutions of Octavio Carpena and Poeta JuliĂĄn AndĂşgar, where he was going to pick up more students at the end of their class.

A police patrol participating in the joint special campaign suspected the driver had been drinking when they were carrying out the routine checks. The officers believed that the driver smelt of alcohol and was exhibiting other bodily signs of having consumed alcohol.

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Having conducted a breathalyzer test on the driver, the results showed an alcohol level of 0.67 milligrams per litre of exhaled air, when the limit for professional drivers is 0.15.

The driver was arrested and released with a summons to appear in the Murcia courts facing charges for a crime against road safety.

According to Gregorio Serrano, Director General of the DGT, “the habitual consumption of drugs by one part of society, has a direct reflection on drivers, many of them are behind the wheel after having consumed some type of substances as noted in the controls performed by agents on the road. From the DGT we will continue increasing these controls, putting a special emphasis on professional drivers�.

Whilst checking the vehicles, the officers found that of those vehicles with seatbelts fitted, 8 had anomalies in their operation. A total of 81 vehicles had deficiencies in the service and emergency doors, as well as in their drive devices, and another 16 were reported for not having their ITV inspection certificates and documentation.

Regarding the administrative offences, 1,024 vehicles lacked the special authorisation to operate as a school transport vehicle, and 338 did not have unlimited liability insurance, as required by law.

In addition, 104 controlled vehicles did not carry the corresponding V-10 school transport signal and another 24 lacked the luminous device with emergency signal.

Finally, as regards the excess of driving time or reduction of rest, 17 drivers were denounced for this reason and another 30 for not taking a person in charge of the care of the minors on board the coach, when this was the case.

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New ‘i-size’ Chart for Child Seats The labelling on child seats has changed across Europe, making it theoretically easier for children to be secured in a more appropriate seat, thus making them safer. Now, the “i-size” chart is in operation, which focuses on the height, rather than the weight of the child.

We know that in Spain the height of the child is already of great importance, with children under 135cm in height not allowed in the front seats (apart from a few exceptions), now the same theory is practiced on smaller children and child restraint systems. i-size Seats 'i-size' is an EU safety regulation for child car seats (ECE R129), which was introduced in July 2013 to make child car seats easier to fit, provide better protection from side impacts and keep children rearward-facing for longer. i-size only applies to Isofix seats.

UK legislation has already been amended to allow i-size seats to be used, this year the regulation has also been applied in Spain.

At the moment, the older seats are still permitted, so there is no need to change if you have these already, but those based around the new regulations offer better protection based on the tests conducted through the campaign.

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i-size uses the child's height to determine if the seat fits the child, rather than their weight. So, it's important to check that your child's height is within the range of the seat. Parents tend to know their child's height better than their weight, which should make it easier for parents to judge if the seat is suitable for their child and when they should move the child into a larger seat.

Babies in i-size car seats stay rearward-facing until they are at least 15 months old.

Currently, parents often move their baby to a forward-facing seat too soon. i-size includes a side impact test to ensure that the seats provide better protection from side impact collisions. i-size child car seats fit in cars that have Isofix fitting points, but you still need to check if the seat is approved for your car. Contact your car manufacturer and/or the child seat manufacturer, or visit our Child Car Seat Compatibility page. i-size seats will fit any i-size approved vehicle. However, there are few such cars currently available. Their numbers will increase over the coming years.

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Going Blue in July The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, has stated that the reform which means that all emergency vehicles will have blue lights will become effective in July.

The DGT are currently studying possibilities of a provisional authorisation which would allow the change to start sooner, but as the entire process has taken years of work and effort, a wait until July is somewhat insignificant.

Currently, in Spain, only the security services use blue lights, with ambulances and fire service vehicles using flashing amber lights when responding to an emergency.

This reform will put Spain in line with the European standard for emergency vehicles.

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How to Deal with Priority Vehicles Emergency vehicle which are responding to an incident have priority over other vehicles.

During any drive we must be forever conscious of our surroundings, allowing all of our senses to combine to provide special and location awareness, so that we can constantly react to changes as they happen, or, ideally, prompting situations and proactively preparing for these changes.

The security services such as the police and Guardia Civil, and rescue services such as the fire service or ambulances are to be given a clear run when they have their lights flashing or sirens sounding, so long as this can be done safely. If we hear sirens or see emergency vehicles with flashing lights, our first reaction should be to make way, but in as safe a way as possible.

On a clear and open road, if you are aware that a priority vehicle is approaching from behind, move over to a position which will allow the emergency vehicle to pass. It may be useful to indicate so that the driver of the emergency vehicle is aware of your intention. Carry out the manoeuvre without rushing, panicking or with any sudden movements. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, you may continue on your way.

In the event of a queue of traffic of two lanes, the emergency vehicle will attempt to cut a path through the middle, so that vehicles on both sides are able to move to the side and allow for a safe passage.

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At junctions or intersections, vehicles should pull over to the side to allow the emergency vehicles to pass. Do not attempt to cross the path of an oncoming priority vehicle.

If you are on a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches, give way to the priority vehicle where possible and safe, allowing it to pass freely.

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How to Deal with Priority Vehicles Never attempt to follow an emergency vehicle and never pull out in front of them, always stay well clear and well back, without carrying out any sudden movements, remembering to move over where safe and possible.

In the event of approaching an emergency scene, pay close attention to those who are directing traffic, acting on their instructions and directions. Always pass the scene giving as much space as possible and always pay close attention to the traffic and the situation, never letting curiosity get the better of you and distract you when you pass.

The DGT has created a series of short videos which show the correct procedure for each of the circumstances listed, they can be viewed on the DGT website, dgt.es Priority vehicles save lives, always allow them safe passage where possible.

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The Medical is Not as Scary as you Might Think One of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to renewing a driving licence appears to be the medical examination. However, that stumbling block is not necessarily the actual procedure itself, but the fear of the process.

In order to alleviate some of these concerns, we took a volunteer to the Clinica La Siesta and videoed the whole process from start to finish.

The video is available on the website, n332.es, and shows our volunteer, Julie, first register her details at the clinic, then go through a variety of tests, including hearing, coordination and reflex tests, a visit to the doctor, and the psychological assessment.

Some of the parts of the video are speeded up, partly to preserve confidentiality, and partly so as not to bore you, but the whole process is shown.

Towards the end, it shows how the clinic team even take your photograph, and take your signature, completing the forms on your behalf, so you don´t have to do anything.

La Siesta Clinic offers a “one-stop-shop” for your licence renewal, officially authorised by the DGT, they complete all the paperwork for you, carry out the test and medical examination in English, have ample free parking, and are open mornings and afternoons for convenient appointments, which can be booked by phone on 966 78 41 95, WhatsApp on 692 13 41 36, or via their website, clinicalasiesta.com, and, more great news, the entire team at the clinic speak English, so you don´t have to worry about the language barrier.

The clinic is located in the La Siesta urbanisation in Torrevieja, on Calle Rossini, just off the main road which links Torrevieja with Quesada, turning right if you are coming from Torrevieja centre at the roundabout where there are two Chinese restaurants, the roundabout after Hiperber supermarket.

For more details, visit their website, clinicalasiesta.com or give them a call on the numbers above.

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Mobile Phones May Improve Road Safety A team of researchers at the Universidad PolitĂŠcnica de Madrid have been working on a project whereas rather than leading to potentially deadly distractions, a mobile phone can help road safety by advising drivers of safer speeds.

The technology behind intelligent speed adaptation systems (ISA) has been around since the 90s, mostly aimed at warning drivers who exceed the speed limit. In theory, the technology can also be used to block the functions of the mobile and even prevent use when driving, although this part of the system has seemingly not been welcomed by many, despite the obvious safety benefits.

Through this latest development of the system, the researchers in Madrid have been developing ways that the technology can identify other hazards which may need speed adjustment, such as bends, the camber of the road, the elevation etc, and even take into account the meteorological conditions, which may affect the adhesion to the road or visibility, for example, and the amount of traffic in each section. The technology can also identify the type of vehicle in which it is travelling, adjusting its reports accordingly.

The system obtains the information in real time and establishes the safest speed for the next section of the road contemplating and calculating the conditions reported, the stopping distance and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle as objective criteria. To the user, the mobile indicates the level of deceleration necessary. For the definition of the interface, the analysis of the impact on the level of attention required to receive the information of the system is carried out.

Although there are no plans to release the system any time soon, the prototype has been tested in a vehicle, with different drivers, analyzing their response to warnings and their degree of satisfaction and compliance with the limits set.

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FORD OPENS ORDER BOOKS FOR NEW FIESTA ACTIVE Comprising three variants – Active 1, Active B&O PLAY and Active X – Fiesta Active joins Ford KA+ Active in offering buyers an exciting lifestyle crossover with increased ride height, rugged exterior and advanced technologies.

Equipped to impress All three Fiesta Active models enjoy distinctive looks and impressive equipment levels, including a rugged bodystyling kit with Active badging and styling cues, rough-road suspension with increased ride height, roof rails, front fog lights and 17in five-spoke alloy wheels.

There are three selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal and Slippery, while roughterrain capabilities are enhanced by the adoption of Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist.

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On-road safety is boosted thanks to lane-keeping technology, rear seat belt minder, rear centre headrest, auto headlamps, Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen for faster getaways on frosty mornings and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), while passenger comfort aids include electric front and rear windows, rear privacy glass, driver seat height and lumbar adjustment and air-conditioning.

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system enables drivers to control audio and connected smartphones using vice commands, or via the tabletinspired colour touchscreen, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™.

The Fiesta Active B&O PLAY stands out from its siblings both visually and audibly, equipped as it is with a distinctive black roof with black roof rails and matching electrically operated and heated door mirrors, plus a B&O PLAY premium audio system with 360-degree sound and 10 speakers.

The Active B&O PLAY includes a yellow colour theme and additional features such as cruise control, rain sensing wipers, autodimming rear view mirror, a centre console with armrest and illuminated cup holders, plus a 4.2in TFT instrument cluster screen with traffic sign recognition.

Even more equipment is fitted as standard to the Active X, including partial leather upholstery with heated front seats, powerfoldable door mirrors with puddle lights, Ford SYNC 3 Navigation system with DAB radio and 8in touchscreen, the KeyFree system with keyless entry and start, and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.

The Fiesta Active range also features dramatic and dynamic colour schemes, and the option of a two-part panoramic sliding roof on the Active 1 and Active X models.

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Powered to achieve Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is offered with four different power outputs: 85PS, 100PS, 125PS and 140PS, allied to a new six-speed manual gearbox delivering from 105g/km CO2 emissions.

The turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine features advanced technologies including high-pressure direct fuel injection, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing, and an innovative offset crankshaft design for unparalleled three-cylinder refinement.

All three Fiesta Active models are additionally available with F o r d ’s 85PS 1.5litre TDCi engine with CO2 from 96g/km and 120PS version.

Auto‑Start‑Stop technology is fitted to all engines to improve economy, with Active Grille Shutter for both petrol and diesel engines. A new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel when desired.

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Ready to reassure The new Fiesta – BBC Top Gear magazine’s Supermini of the Year and Carbuyer’s Car of the Year – is one of the safest small cars on the market with a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

All models in the range, including the new Fiesta Active, feature as standard driver and front passenger airbags, front side impact airbags and front and side rear curtain airbags to provide maximum coverage in the event of an accident, aided by front and rear seat belt pre-tensioners.

An anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution ensures controlled deceleration if heavy braking is required, during which the Fiesta’s hazard lights and brake lights flash automatically to warn following vehicles of the potential emergency. Electronic Stability Control senses when a vehicle is losing grip and automatically applies a braking pulse to individual wheels, stabilising it.

The new Fiesta Active 1 is £17,790, with B&O PLAY for £19,190 and Active X at £20,290.

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What is the Speed Limit in Spain?

All roads in Spain have a maximum permitted speed limit. However, that limit not only varies depending on the characteristics of the road, but also the type of vehicle.

As always when we talk about this subject we must offer the same reminder however, the maximum permitted is exactly that, a maximum, it is not a target and the actual safe speed may be much lower depending on the road and weather conditions.

That said, here is the overview of the generic maximum permitted speed on the roads by vehicle type, unless signs say otherwise.

PASSENGER CARS AND MOTORCYCLES The maximum generic speed for cars and motorcycles on motorways and highways is 120 kilometres per hour. On secondary roads, the maximum permitted speed is either 100 kilometres per hour or 90 kilometres per hour depending on the width of the hard shoulder. In towns and cities the maximum permitted speed is 50 kilometres per hour.

BUSES Buses, and other vehicle derivatives that have been adapted, must not exceed 100 kilometres per hour on motorways and highways. On conventional roads, the maximum permitted speed is reduced to 90 kilometres per hour, as long as it has a paved shoulder of 1.5 metres or more in width or more than one lane for traffic in any direction. On other conventional roads out of town they cannot exceed 80 kilometres per hour. In the event of a bus carrying standing passengers (where permitted) the maximum permitted speed, whatever the type of interurban road, is 80 kilometres per hour.

TRUCKS On motorways and highways, trucks, articulated vehicles, tractors and vans cannot exceed 90 kilometres per hour. On conventional roads outside of towns, the maximum permitted speed is 80 kilometres per hour and 70 kilometres per hour, depending on the width of the hard shoulder.

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SPECIAL TRANSPORT Any vehicle which falls into this category, namely a bus carrying school children and displaying the yellow school bus sign, or a vehicle carrying goods classed as dangerous, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour.

TOWING A TRAILER The maximum permitted limit on motorways and highways is 90 kilometres per hour when towing a light trailer (which has a maximum mass less than or equal to 750 kg) and 80 kilometres per hour when towing a non-light trailer (greater than 750 kg). On conventional roads with a hard shoulder of 1.5 metres or more the maximum permitted speed is then 80 kilometres per hour, and on other interurban roads the limit is 70 kilometres per hour.

QUADS, TRICYCLES AND BICYCLES Vehicles with three wheels or “quads� have their speed limited to 70 kilometres per hour on any type of road where they are permitted to drive.

Cycles, two and three wheeled mopeds and light quadricycles have a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour where permitted.

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Obtaining a Vehicle Report

If you are interested in buying a second-hand vehicle, you can obtain a detailed report from the DGT which provides a wealth of information on the history of the car.

There are two types of report, a standard and detailed report, and then there are five types of detailed reports: complete, technical data, loads, vehicles in the name of the interested party and vehicles without registration.

The reduced report, Informe reducido, confirms the correct identification of the vehicle and if there is any type of incident recorded with it. You can apply for the reduced report online at dgt.es, and it is free.

The Detailed report, Informe detallado, includes more information about the vehicle, such as its current owner, if it is authorised to be used on the road, the expiration of the ITV and any recorded incidents.

You can request any of the five detailed reports online dgt.es, or in person at your Provincial Traffic Headquarters, with the required documents and payment.

In order to request a detailed report, you will need the completed official application form, the identification of the interested party, the reason for which the report is requested, and confirmation of the fee having been paid, which is currently 8.40â‚Ź.

To request the document at the trafico office you will need to make an appointment via the website, dgt.es , or by telephoning the 060 telephone number. If you are making an appointment to request the documentation it is also worth keeping in mind tat the offices cannot accept cash and payment is only possible with a bank card.

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What is an Assisted Pedal Bike?

There has been a lot of confusion over so-called “electric� bikes, and whether they can be used without a licence, or insurance, and if they can be used on the roads.

There are characteristics which clearly define these vehicles into two different types, which we can explain here.

An Assisted Pedal Bike it is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and a battery with an output of up to 250W whose engine only works when helped by the motion of pedalling, and in any case to a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour. So, in other words, if you either stop pedalling, or if you reach 25 kilometres per hour, the motor stops running.

These types of bikes are considered, for the purposes of the General Vehicle Regulations and Rules of the road, like any other bike and do not require registration or driving licence, or mandatory liability insurance. The rider is however responsible for adhering to all other rules of the road applicable to any type of vehicle.

Other models of similar design which can exceed 25 kilometres per hour when powered, or have an engine or motor which can operate by use of a throttle or accelerator without the need to pedal, are considered the same as mopeds and require registration, insurance and for the driver to have an appropriate licence.

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Which is the Best Lighting?

There are three main types of vehicle illumination available, halogen headlights, xenon headlights, automatic headlights, etc, but which offers the best option?

In recent years, new technologies have appeared that have been a major step forward in terms of illumination, improving the capacity and lighting quality. Normally, cars are equipped with a basic lighting system, which does not mean that they are insufficient. On the contrary, the evolution of lights in vehicles is already evident from the recent developments and models on the market.

However, if we do make a decision to improve our vehicle´s lighting, we not only face a potentially large bill, it may not even be possible as changing the vehicle characteristics may result in difficulties with the ITV test, so caution must be exercised before the investment. In fact, a visit to the ITV station may also be prudent to check before you proceed.

That said, we can still consider the options available in order to make an informed decision before we proceed, with the knowledge of the different types of lighting available.

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The Three Main Systems

There are three main types of optics in vehicles. Halogen headlights are still the most common and, in most manufacturers, offer good lighting capacity, showing the evolution of a system with a long journey in the automotive industry. Xenon headlights have become the first alternative to give a greater field of vision, with a clearer light and greater range. But it is the LED headlights that show the greatest possibilities to apply more advanced technologies.

New vehicles already have daytime running lights, even in the lower segments, both for the front and, in many cases, the rear optics, and most of these are formed by LED lights. LED lights offer longevity in their life, are easier to handle, and offer the best options for adaptive adaptive lighting, taking us another step closer to the autonomous car.

In recent years, automatic headlights have been installed in some vehicles. These lights turn on and off autonomously in dim or light environments respectively, and more recently are able to adapt their position when crossing with other vehicles, without the driver having to operate them (they use sensors or a camera at the height of the rear-view mirror).

Another alternative is adaptive lights, which adjust the parabola that the lights emit constantly, keeping the areas that do not produce glare illuminated. This technology is only available with LED lights and the new laser headlights.

We can see that the amount of light emitted, thus illuminating our path is vital in providing safer roads, and the new technology is able to offer that without glaring or distracting other road users and thus creating an additional hazard.

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Junctions A ROAD JUNCTION IS A LOCATION WHERE MULTIPLE ROADS INTERSECT, ALLOWING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO CHANGE FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER. Priority The notion of “priority” refers to the passage of vehicles and which vehicles are allowed to move through junctions and roadways first. In modern terms, we refer to priority in a similar manner to how the phrase “right of way” was once used, but in a time of shared space and multiple different uses for roads and vehicles, to which nobody has a “right” to be on the roads over any other vehicle, it is acknowledged that drivers do have to “give way” to other road users and so we not only replace the terminology but also the notion of how traffic flows.

The driver of a vehicle that has to give way to another must not initiate or continue a manoeuvre across a junction in the event of that manoeuvre causing a hazard by forcing the other vehicle to deviate from its speed, course or direction.

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Unmarked Crossings When no signs, signals or road markings indicating priority are present at a junction, drivers must give way to approaching vehicles from their right, irrespective of the type of vehicle that it is, including cycles, horse and carts, agricultural vehicles, cars, buses and trucks, except in the following cases: In the event of movement from an unpaved road to a paved road, the vehicles on the paved road have priority.

Vehicles running on rails have priority over all other road users.

At roundabouts, vehicles on the roundabout have priority over those wishing to enter it.

Vehicles traveling on a motorway have priority over those seeking to access the highway.

Signalled Junctions Drivers of vehicles approaching a junction controlled by an officer of official controlling traffic must stop their vehicles when ordered. The instructions of officials controlling junctions overrule the signs.

The driver of a vehicle approaching a junction controlled by traffic lights must stop their vehicle in order to give way when indicated by a red of flashing yellow light.

Road signs P-1, which are formed of pictograms enclosed in a red triangle warn of a junction ahead, indicate the priority through that junction by means of the larger, bolder arrowed line.

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Junctions

Road sign P-2, which is formed of an “x� type cross in a red triangle warns of a junction where the general rule offers priority to vehicles approaching from the right.

At junctions where road markings indicate the need to give way or to stop and give way, drivers passing through that junction on the major road in either direction have priority through the junction.

Irrespective of the priority through a junction, no vehicle is permitted to enter any junction or pedestrian crossing unless the exit from the junction or crossing is clear.

Some junctions are protected by yellow boxes which dictate the same, although the rule applies irrespective of the presence of such a feature that a junction must not be blocked by any vehicle unless the exit from that junction is clear and the only thing impeded the egress is the flow of traffic crossing its path.

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Statistical Information on Sanctions now on the DGT Website The DGT has included a new section on the website, dgt.es, which will provide statistical information on fines and sanctions.

The aim of the section, Denuncias e Ingresos, is partly aimed at ensuring transparency, as well as highlighting how dangerous driving practices and behaviours lead to these fines, and how the revenue then assists in financing road safety, incident prevention, and providing assistance to the victims of road traffic incidents.

The section provides data related to the number of complaints and their evolution, as well as the statistics on the amounts paid, excesses of speed, the phases of appeal or data on complaints that end in a contentious-administrative way.

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Due to the multitude of reviews and tables to be published, the information will be uploaded and updated progressively. The information already available are: 

Evolution of the number of sanctions in the 2012-2017 period.



Evolution of the number of sanctions imposed by fixed radars from 2012 to 2017.

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Amounts for sanctions in general from 2012 to 2017.

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Entered amounts of penalties for fixed radars in the period 2012-2017.



Fixed radars which are the least respected and with the most denunciations generated in 2017.

The data corresponding to 2017 is still considered provisional and includes the period from January to October. Subsequently, the closed data for the entire annual period will be presented once completed.

The knowledge of this and other data can serve to raise awareness that traffic incidents are not unpredictable events, but can be avoided if traffic regulations are complied with, and, despite criticism that traffic offences are purely aimed at taking money from drivers, it is only those drivers who break the law who are fined, and a consequence of this is that the money generated by fines is invested in road safety, prevention, and helping the victims of road traffic incidents.

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Velolaser THE MOST INNOVATIVE DEFINITIVE SOLUTION FOR SPEED

CONTROL

IN

URBAN

AND

INTERURBAN

ENVIRONMENTS.

The DGT has taken delivery of around 60 new portable speed detecting units, Velolaser, which are currently being put to test around the country.

Small enough to fit in the panniers of a motorcycle, the units can be set up in seconds, either on a tripod, a vehicle mount, or on roadside features such as crash barriers.

The device manufacturers say that the units obtain the best results in sensitive urban areas (zone 30, schools, parks, children's areas, etc., and thanks to its versatility they can work using vehicles available at any time, in any area, including those places otherwise inaccessible, and, most importantly, in a minimum time.

Please don´t copy any part of this publication because itsolution is protected by copyright law.

The simple, ingenious and innovative provides a new way to control speed in a© wide variety of situations, on both urban and interurban roads.

Copyright 2017 Mark Nolan and N332.es All rights reserved. part of this publication reproduced, or transmitted in any form by The devices canNomonitor vehiclesmay atbespeeds ofdistributed, up to 250 kilometres perorhour, any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior covering two lanes, monitoring both directions of travel, and can distinguish written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and between different typesusesofpermitted vehicles, knowing thepermission difference between a car and a certain other non-commercial by copyright law. For requests, write to the publisher, addressed Permissions Coordinator,” to the email address, news@n332.es. truck, for“Attention: example.

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The units can connect over 3G or 4G telephony, or via Wi-Fi, providing simultaneous monitoring of several devices at the same time, recording information on internal or external storage.

As well as monitoring speed, the devices are clever enough to calculate safety distances, and can operate both day and at night.

They are designed and manufactured in Spain, and come in a range of colours, although the units delivered to the DGT carry the distinctive colours and labelling of the Guardia Civil.

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Obtaining Vehicle Documents SPANISH SOLUTIONS RECENTLY RECEIVED THIS QUESTION FROM A CLIENT, WHICH UNFORTUNATELY HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE.

Question:

I bought a guaranteed pre-owned car from a car dealer´s garage. It was second hand but in good condition.

I did not receive the car documentation and when I checked the owner was the dealer himself.

The garage told me that they have the documentation of my car and that they are going to carry out the change of the paperwork. The paper they gave me is valid for a month.

Of course I expected to hear something from the dealer, but I didn't and I requested that they provide me with another cover note. But now another month has elapsed and this time I sent them an email reminding them a week before it expired that I needed the new log book, but they have not answered, and I am worried about driving the car. I have to do a lot of travelling for my job across borders, so this is causing me many problems, as I am having to use another car. Also I cannot even sell the car as I do not have the proper documenation. I am a long way away from the dealership in another part of Spain or I would have made an official complaint in their offices. How can I solve this please?

Answer: The dealer is required to give you the documentation. It is against the law for them not to do that.

(Consumer Law and the Civil Code). So you could take them to Court but this unfortunately could take a while and as you say you are a very difficult position, plus there are the costs (even though you would be likely to win). So the first step we would advise is that a lawyer does a first legal letter formally requesting the paperwork. This would be sent by burofax.

Unfortunately if this is not successful then a legal action against them needs to be initiated, unless you try one more letter or turning up there and making a fuss. If you start the legal action, in the meantime, you would be able to drive the car at that stage with the proof of the Legal Action being submitted to show Traffic Officers if stopped, (and of course the proof of the purchase by way of puchase contract). You can also make a formal complaint to the Consumer department (OMIC) and a complaint in the Traffic Department.

SpanishSolutions can help with these tyep of problems.

Contact Amanda sales@spanishsolutions.net .

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Learn With the Pros N332 has added another professional service to our list of collaborators, this time it is autoescuelaenred, a Spanish driving school.

The school will be providing us with articles in their own section, where many of the most common answers about driver theory will be answered.

You can also visit their website, autoescuelaenred.com/ en/, where you can get more information and participate in a remote course with a qualified instructor.

In the next edition of N332 RoadWatch we have asked the school to detail one of the most troublesome areas for many, driving on roundabouts in Spain.

Remember to look out for the next edition, due at the end of February, when we are sure all of your roundabout questions

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Roundabouts Your questions answered Some of the most popular questions that arise regarding driving in Spain are about one of the most seemingly confusing elements of infrastructure, roundabouts, and so this month we spoke to Antonio Torres Planells, a Spanish driving instructor and director of a driving school, autoescuelaenred, so that he can answer some of the most popular questions for you.

Antonio teaches student drivers looking to acquire category B licences, giving practical classes in the techniques required to drive a car, and oneon-one theory classes, providing students with the adequate material to prepare them at their own pace for the exam and a driving future. Antonio also connects with students through videoconference, Skype, Meet, Zoom or others, to support their training, explain a topic, clarify doubts, follow-up, etc., so the students prepare without the need to attend the driving school, and provide more flexible schedules. What might surprise many is that a lot of the students are English speaking, British or Asian, and Antonio provides excellent teaching services in English as well as Spanish.

Antonio explains, roundabouts have imposed themselves as solutions used to improve fluidity at intersections, especially in high-demand areas.

It is normal that in an increasingly global world, where a multitude of nationalities coexist, even more so in the Spanish coastal areas, different and sometimes conflicting behaviours appear. In addition, not all roundabouts are the same, there is no universal standard that facilitates its use.

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Keep in mind several basic principles of driving:

1 AS A GENERAL RULE DRIVE IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE. 2 TO CHANGE THE LANE WE MUST RESPECT THE PRIORITY IN THE LANE TO WHICH WE WANT TO MOVE. 3 AS A GENERAL RULE, CHANGING LANES IS PROHIBITED NEAR INTERSECTIONS AND IN THE SAME INTERSECTION. The observation of these three principles, together with the observation of horizontal signage can help us move safer through roundabouts

We asked Antonio the most frequently asked questions by our followers: If a vehicle is driving in the left lane of a roundabout, can I join the right lane of the roundabout?

(Many followers complain about the vehicles that drive in the inside lane when they enter).

Vehicles on the roundabout have priority over those wanting to join, you must respect the priorities. if you are waiting to access a roundabout, and observe that the vehicle in the left lane indicates its intention to change to the right lane, you should expect it to complete the move before joining (as a general rule, the vehicle on the inside lane of the roundabout has priority over those who want to join it, as vehicles on the roundabout have priority).

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Roundabouts Your questions answered

If I have to leave the roundabout in the lane closest to the exit, why are there exits with more than one lane? Is it legal to leave the roundabout from the left lane?

(Drivers have a hard time understanding why they should use the right lane to leave the roundabout when they see that the exit has several lanes and can seemingly be done perfectly from the left).

The law states that you must exit the roundabout from the right hand lane. It is a very risky move to exit from any other lane as you would potentially cross the path of oncoming vehicles and the visibility of the rear traffic is limited.

If Spanish regulations require you to use the rightmost lane to leave the roundabout, why are there exits with 2 and 3 lanes, instead of just one for the vehicle that leaves the roundabout on the right?

There are many conventional intersections that allow the other two lanes, both on the right and on the left, there is no doubt that the traffic regulations try to enforce the safest way to leave the roundabout, which is undoubtedly on the right hand lane, but this norm is not applicable to all roundabouts, in fact so-called turbo roundabouts allow departures from left lane.

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If I'm not going to take an exit and I'm going to continue, should I use my left indicator?

The regulations recommend signalling only at the exit of the roundabout, that is to say we signal to the right before leaving, or when we want to change lanes on the roundabout.

However it is obvious that we could signal to the left to indicate that we intend to proceed, especially on small roundabouts, both to help those waiting to join and those on our left side.

When approaching a roundabout, should I put the left turn indicator on if I am going to turn left?

As we said in the previous point you should signal the intention to exit the roundabout or to change lane whilst on it, I do not see the benefit of additional signalling to the left lane from the left lane when there is a single access lane.

Can cyclists move around the left lane of the roundabout when they want to make a U-turn?

If we recommend leaving the roundabouts in the right lane, this recommendation is even more valid for cyclists, in my opinion.

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Roundabouts Your questions answered If I want to make a U-turn or exit on the third exit, should I use the left lane or can I use the one I want?

We can use the lane that suits us best, as long as the lane changes are correct and safe, now, the safest thing is what the regulations recommend: exit from the right hand lane.

If I am going to leave at the first exit, can I join from the left lane and from there to the right of the roundabout, at a two-lane roundabout?

This manoeuvre is forced and therefore of significant risk, it is advisable to make a longer lane change, therefore going around again.

Can I use the left lane of a roundabout to overtake and leave the roundabout, then from the left lane directly?

This manoeuvre is a clear example of driving under the effects of stress, selfish and aggressive, of poor respect for other users, the saddest thing is that probably the vast majority of drivers have ever done it.

FINALLY I would like to add a final tip to the observation of the principles I listed at the beginning: Maximise defensive driving when driving on roundabouts, trying to anticipate the manoeuvres and trajectories of others, regardless of whether they are legal or not, moderating speed and increasing the safety distance.

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Fiat Ducato Motorhome

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www.autosdirect.es

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TECHNO CLASSICA 2018: PRECIOUS CONVERTIBLES FROM OSNABRÜCK Lovers of historic Volkswagen models should set aside some time from 21-25 March 2018. At Techno Classica in Essen, the world's largest vintage car fair, Volkswagen will present fascinating exhibits spanning three decades, including two exclusive convertible prototypes from the Karmann collection in Osnabrück.

Premiere after complete restoration: the Volkswagen Type 3 convertible This true classic car from Karmann is sure to capture the imagination and is truly exclusive. At the Volkswagen stand at Techno Classica, visitors can marvel at the rare Type 3 convertible which never went into series production and which has a total of just 16 handcrafted bodies in existence. The prototype from 1961 displayed at the fair was once the company car of Johannes Beeskow, technical manager of Karmann's operations at that time. From a technical perspective, the study is based on the Volkswagen 1500 mode, the medium class (Type 3) which was launched in 1961. The designers were particularly proud of the large panoramic rear window and the fully retractable top, which gave the vehicle a certain elegance when opened. In 1965, the convertible was transferred to the Karmann collection in Osnabrück. A complete restoration was carried out on the vehicle from 2015 to 2017 and it is now presented to the public for the first time in practically new-car condition.

Sheer elegance for two plus two: the Karmann Ghia Type 34 convertible Another fascinating exhibit which visitors to this year's Techno Classica can look forward to is the Karmann Ghia 1600 Type 34 convertible. The open 2+2 seater was presented for the first time at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1961, in parallel with the Volkswagen Type 3. Like the Type 3 convertible, the open version of the ‘large Karmann Ghia' is a prototype, of which there are just a dozen in existence. The top can be fully retracted also in this vehicle, preserving its timeless, elegant design. The model showcased at the fair was rebuilt in 1968. Various components were used, such as an original body from 1961 and a chassis from 1968.

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Cabriolet expertise from Osnabrück: a long success story Both exhibits come from Osnabrück, a town in Lower Saxony which boasts a long, successful history in convertible production. The first-generation Beetle convertible came off the conveyor belts of the Karmann plant in 1949. The popular and elegantly styled Karmann Ghia Type 14 convertible (1957 to 1974) as well as all Golf convertible generations also came from Osnabrück. And the success story goes on: from 2020, Volkswagen Osnabrück will produce the first SUV convertible in the company's history – the T-Roc convertible.

World's largest vintage car fair draws visitors from all over the world Techno Classica is the world's leading fair for historic cars and motorbikes and trade relating to replacement parts and restoration. It features 120,000 m² of exhibition space spread across 21 halls and four open areas. There are also over 200 different clubs and interest groups. In 2017, the organisers recorded around 185,000 visitors from 41 countries. In addition to the two convertible prototypes, all those interested can look forward to a whole host of other exciting exhibits at the Volkswagen stand.

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KIA SPORTAGE HITS FIVE MILLION GLOBAL SALES

Kia Motors is celebrating five million cumulative sales of its global best-selling Kia Sportage compact SUV. Launched in 1993, and spanning four generations since, the Kia Sportage has achieved this milestone in the year of its 25th anniversary. The latest model, launched in 2016, is more popular than ever, with average global sales of 38,000 units per month in 2017. In the UK, the Sportage continues to be the brand’s biggest seller with 39,683 delivered to customers in 2017 making up over a third of UK sales last year.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved this milestone production figure for our global best-seller. The continued and accelerating popularity of the Sportage demonstrates the breadth of the car’s abilities and the strength of its appeal to buyers in markets all around the world,” said Ho Sung Song, Executive Vice President of Global Operations Divison, “Since 1993, the Sportage has become a benchmark car in the compact SUV segment, and its success has also led to the creation of a diverse and comprehensive range of SUVs and crossovers from Kia – with other new models to follow in future.”

In 2016 and 2017, the Sportage surpassed the B-segment Rio as the brand’s global best-selling model. Strong sales of the Sportage in January and February 2018 – 36,632 and 32,930 units respectively – contributed to the model’s production landmark.

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The Sportage made its first appearance at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, introducing the concept of the ‘Urban SUV’ to consumers for the first time – it set the blueprint for a compact, practical SUV, suitable for use in a variety of environments. This first generation Sportage was an instant hit, recording total lifetime sales of over 500,000 units.

Sales of the second-generation Sportage totalled 1,223,776 units globally after seven years of production. The third-generation model surpassed one million sales in just four years, helping the Sportage reach two million cumulative sales during its sixth year in production.

The fourth and current generation Sportage features a bold, progressive design, while offering greater practicality and an array of comfort, convenience and safety technologies. Its engine and transmission line-up also provides enhanced efficiency and performance to address a broad range of customer needs. More popular than ever, the one-millionth fourth-generation Sportage was sold in January, after just 29 months on-sale.

The Kia Sportage has historically been acknowledged for the strength of its design, having been awarded ‘iF Design’ and ‘red dot’ design prizes in both its third and fourth generations. The vehicle achieved the highest safety rating from the USA’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2017, while in Europe it was awarded the highest safety rating of five stars by Euro NCAP.

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NEW VOLKSWAGEN CENTRE OF COMPETENCE FOR SAFETY

With its new safety centre, Volkswagen is bringing together its vehicle safety expertise at a single location. Blending into the existing architecture, a new threestory building with approximately 8,000 square metres of floor space was constructed at the headquarters in Wolfsburg. The centrepiece is a new state-of-the -art crash sled facility which for the first time can simulate lateral and rotational vehicle body movements both horizontally and vertically.

"This state-of-the-art sled system allows us to reproduce the dynamic movements of a crash as well as simulate so-called 'prebraking' scenarios", says Dr Gunnar Koether, Head of Vehicle Safety at Volkswagen. This is possible due to a highly sophisticated and precisely controllable hydraulic system on the sled, which can simulate both forward 'pitching' as well as lateral 'yawing' of the test vehicle immediately prior to impact. "In doing so", continues Koether, "we can accurately demonstrate the operation of modern active safety systems such as emergency braking in our sled tests." In such a scenario, the test vehicle is accelerated to 80 km/h and then braked shortly before impact. This type of pre-braking corresponds to a real world accident scenario.

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"In this way, Volkswagen is setting new standards in accident research. In the new safety centre, we are bringing together all of our safety-related activities under a single roof. That not only allows us to make use of new testing technologies, but also it affords us shorter distances and additional synergy effects", says Head of Technical Development Services Kai Schweingruber.

At the new sled facility, vehicle tests at speeds of up to 100 km/h with total weights of up to three tons are possible. The underfloor cable-rail system in the floor of the hall is over 140 metres in length. Thanks to a new pallet change system, the next test can be prepared as the current test is being conducted, which increases facility efficiency and throughput. Around 800 sled tests are conducted each year by Volkswagen technical development.

In addition to the new sled system, there are also multiple test benches located on the ground floor of the hall. On the first floor, the crash test vehicles are first prepared for and later thoroughly analysed after the test. In the second floor there are the workstations for the development team. The new high-tech sled was built directly adjacent to the second crash test facility, which entered operation in 1988.

Both facilities are served by the same control room.

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POLESTAR 1 NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER Polestar 1, the first car from the new electric performance brand Polestar, is now available for preordering in 18 countries around the world. This marks the latest step in the Polestar brand journey, while the Polestar 1 continues its first public appearance at the ongoing 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.

Along with the opening of the pre-order process, a new car configuration tool allows prospective customers to visualise their Polestar 1 before placing their pre-order.

“With over 7,000 people interested in owning a Polestar 1 since its reveal, we are extremely encouraged by the passion shown for our product. We will now take the next steps towards delivering this beautiful car to our first customers,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar.

The pre-order process involves a fully-refundable €2,500 ( $ 2 , 5 0 0 ; 20,000RMB) deposit, which serves as a

placeholder in the queue for a Polestar 1. Pre-ordering is now available in the following 18 countries: China, United States, Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Canada.

The Polestar 1 is an Electric Performance Hybrid GT coupé which produces 600 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, while offering 150 km of pure electric driving range – the longest of any hybrid car in the world.

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The Costa Blanca People Culinary Awards

Costa Blanca restaurants are once more in line to receive a prized accolade which celebrates all that is good about the dining scene in Spain. The 2018 Costa Blanca People Culinary Awards recognize excellence in the local dining industry, offering restaurateurs a standard to strive for, and diners a gauge by which to choose their eatery.

Fresh ingredients, imaginative recipes and mouth watering menus from around the world are available to diners in the Costa Blanca region. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch menus, evening meals and even a quick and tasty snack. With so much on offer, it can be a minefield choosing a restaurant or café that suits your needs. The Costa Blanca People Culinary Awards are a mark of excellence which diners can rely upon to guide them to a quality restaurant.

Managing Director of the Costa Blanca People, Claire Richards, said “Last year’s Costa Blanca People Culinary Awards were a runaway success with hundreds of nominations received for restaurants and chefs up and down the Costa Blanca. The atmosphere the awards ceremony created was electric – people were cheering and clapping and up on their feet for our winners, the attitude was positive and uplifting and everyone had a good night. Now in their ninth year, the Costa Blanca People Culinary Awards are a hot topic within the industry and 2018’s Awards will serve as a great platform for bar and restaurant suppliers and servicers to promote themselves directly to restaurant owners in a friendly and upbeat environment.”

Claire continued, “We feel that having such a benchmark will really help consumers in choosing excellent restaurants. For restaurateurs, the winning of a Culinary Award will boost morale for staff and owners, and will offer restaurants a tangible ‘seal of approval’ which they can strive to win again and again as the years go on.”

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The 2018 Costa Blanca People Culinary Awards are broken into a number of categories: Best Newcomer (open less than 12 months) Best Indian Restaurant Best European/International Restaurant Best Cafe/Bar/Pub Food Best Sunday Roast Best Fast Food Outlet Best Menu del Dia/Noche Best Fine Dining Best Chef Front of House Award for Outstanding Service Once nominations have been processed and the finalists chosen, a panel of judges will begin reviewing each restaurant in secret before a grand gala dinner where the winners will be announced.

If you think your favourite restaurant should be in the running too, then get nominating!

It couldn’t be easier – simply log on to www.costablancapeople.com and fill in the online form, or download a printable version of the form to distribute to your clients and encourage them to nominate you. If you do not have internet access, we are delighted to take nominations by phone on 966 70 10 60.

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Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia and Torrevieja apply hyperthermicintraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) IMPLEMENTING THIS COMPLEX TECHNIQUE WHICH REQUIRES HIGHLY SKILLED CENTRES, INCREASES THE SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS WITH OVARIAN AND COLON CANCER Having a personalized and multidisciplinary medical approach to cancer, and therapies such as hyperthermicintraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) - also referred to as the Sugarbaker technique - increases the survival chances of patients with widely spread neoplasms in the abdominal cavity.

According to Doctor Pedro Bretcha, president of the Spanish Surgical Oncology Society (SEOQ) and surgical oncology specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "The use of technology is important, but the primary requirement is to have a multidisciplinary vision of cancer, dealt with by a specialized team, because treatment should not be given exclusively by a surgeon, an oncologist, or a gynaecologist, but should be controlled in a consensual manner and adapted to each patient.

This treatment is currently applied in Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia and Quirónsalud Torrevieja, on patients who are diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis, a pathology which consists in the spread of a primary tumour (digestive or gynaecological) in the abdominal cavity, and affects other organs within the abdomen. Doctor Pedro Cascales, coordinator of the Spanish Surgical Peritoneal Oncology Group (GECOP), and specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Murcia claims, “Around 70% of patients, with ovarian cancer for example, are diagnosed in advanced stages, when the carcinomatosis is already present. It is these patients who, with the correct approach, can achieve unimaginable results that depend largely on the surgical team they are treated by”.

In fact, using HIPEC can increase the chances of survival in patients with early stage epithelial ovarian cancer. What’s more, its use does not add any complications to the surgical procedure, according to a clinical study published in the prestigious scientific magazine The New England Journal of Medicine, last month.

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The ‘Sugarbaker’ technique doubles the survival rate for colon cancer

This technique was developed by Doctor Paul H. Sugarbaker in 1982. It consists of the removal of the visible tumour, and later the infusion of HIPEC (at 43o C) in the abdominal cavity to eradicate all invisible malignant cells, as the heat enhances the effects of chemotherapy. This technique has achieved survival rates that have not been registered in any other established treatment, with a colon cancer survival rate of 50% to 5 years.

HIPEC treatment enables the combination of high doses of chemotherapy drugs which focus on the affected area, and less systemic toxicity due to the limitation in the spread of the drug from the peritoneal cavity to the blood stream thanks to the features of the drug’s own peritoneal membrane. Its use requires highly skilled centres with multidisciplinary and specialized teams in Surgical Oncology, as it is a very complex technique.

The surgical oncology team at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja run by Doctor Farré and Doctor Bretcha, was one of the first in 2001 to introduce this technique in Spain to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis. Since then they have performed hundreds of procedures on patients with this condition and varied tumour origins.

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ROSPA WELCOMES CALL FOR EVIDENCE ON SAFER CYCLING AND WALKING

RoSPA has welcomed the launch of the Government’s latest move to get more people walking and cycling safely.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published a call for evidence on ways to make cycling and walking safer while also increasing cycling and walking. RoSPA is pleased that the consultation covers both pedestrians and cyclists because, together, they accounted for 550 road accident deaths in Great Britain in 2016 – 31 per cent of the overall total.

RoSPA strongly supports measures that encourage healthy and sustainable travel. The key to increasing cycling and walking, and so gaining all the health and environmental benefits that result, is to create a safe on and off-road environment, improve road user attitudes and behaviour towards each other and produce safer vehicles that reduce the risk to those most vulnerable when involved in a collision. Improvements in road design, speed reduction measures and improved training and education would have a strong safety benefit for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Nick Lloyd, road safety manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “We are really pleased that the call for evidence recognises the importance of a ‘safe systems approach’ as a way of protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. It is an unfortunate reality that as humans we do make mistakes and when this happens it should not result in death or life-changing injury.

“On cycling specifically, we believe that improving safety would not only reduce the number of cyclist casualties, but would also encourage and enable more people to cycle more often. It would help people who want to cycle but are deterred from doing so currently because they think it is not safe enough, and would also help to prevent an increase in cycling being followed by an increase in cyclist casualties. This, in turn, would increase the health and environmental benefits of cycling for cyclists themselves and for society as a whole.”

Today, has also seen the publication of the DfT’s Cycle Safety Review, which says that there is a case for changing the law to tackle the issue of dangerous and careless cycling that causes serious injury or death, bringing cycling in line with driving offences.

Nick Lloyd said: “RoSPA broadly supports the review, but recognises that very few pedestrians are killed by cyclists. Almost all of the pedestrian collision deaths in 2016 involved a motor vehicle, with three involving a cyclist. It is right to plug the gap between manslaughter and the historic offence of wanton and furious driving but, more importantly, this call for evidence provides the opportunity for people to express their views on how we can make cycling and walking safe, healthy activities for individuals and communities alike.”

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The Winter Beach - Orihuela “A PIONEERING INITIATIVE ON OUR COAST” Until mid-June, Orihuela´s beaches will play host to a range of activities under the banner, "The Winter Beach", including aerobic activities (aerobics, yoga, body balance), nautical activities (Paddle surfing and kayaking), introductory dives and workshops for the little ones.

Every Sunday at 10 o'clock you have the chance to improve your health and wellbeing with an hour of aerobics on the beach. From April, the rest of the planned activities will begin.

Orihuela Councillor Luisa Boné said that, "It's the first time that a program has been launched outside the summer season to spend Sundays with the family on the beach with activities for all ages. It will serve as a pilot to hear citizens' opinions about each activity and to improve it for their resumption in October."

The beach of La Caleta in Cabo Roig was chosen as the location for this program as it is the best place to plan and carry out various activities. It is the beach that most residents and tourists visit in winter, and this beach also has a beach bar open all year round.

The Councillor concluded that the program "The Winter Beach" has long been desired by various groups and users of the beach and we hope that the planned activities will please everyone.

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Cartagena Naval Museum The Naval Museum at Cartagena is owned by the Spanish Navy. It is located in an 18th century building near the Cruise Terminal, at the Port of Cartagena. It is considered as one of the most visited museums in the Región de Murcia.

The city of Cartagena has been involved in naval actions for 3000 years. It was a base port for the King’s Galleys and then a main Naval Base, including the Arsenal, which has evolved at the same time that conflicts raised and the technology has changed the way to sail and face war at sea. From its port, ships departed for the whole world, to combat the pirates that menace the Mediterranean, or to protect the trade coming from the New World or the Far East. For these reasons the museum has recovered the most important pages of Spanish Navy History. Today, besides the Arsenal, Cartagena is the home port of the Spanish navy´s submarine fleet, including the submarine school, diving school, and the minesweeping Fleet, as well as many facilities for the Spanish marines.

The museum exhibits pieces from the very early stages of sail until today. The Museum is split into thematic areas that cover shipbuilding, navigation, naval artillery, light weaponry, health in the navy, flags and uniforms, naval painting, submarines, diving and mine warfare. Each of these areas hosts plenty of models, instruments, documents, memorabilia and curious pieces which allow the visitor to understand life onboard the Spanish navy´s ships through time.

In a separate but close building, an old boiler manufacturing facility of the Arsenal, the first Spanish submarine, el Peral, is on display. Launched on 1888, it was the first electrically propelled submarine and the first to launch a torpedo whilst submerged.

Form time to time, the Museum holds events such as temporary exhibitions or conferences.

It also has facilities for those with impaired mobility and children are always welcome. Guided tours are available for groups with previous reservation.

The entrance is totally free. However, you will be asked for a 3€ donation for maintenance purposes.

Without any doubt, the Cartagena Naval Museum is one of the best experiences when visiting Cartagena.

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The Orihuela town hall has arranged buses which will run from the coastal zone to the city in order for residents to enjoy this year´s Semana Santa processions without the bother of taking the car.

Holy Week in Orihuela has been declared of International Tourist Interest, and there are different activities and special tourist routes organised by the tourism department.

Everyday there will be a bus service from Orihuela Costa and Entrenaranjos (so long as a minimum of 20 people are interested).

Further information and bookings of the different routes you can contact the Tourist Information Centre in Orihuela or the telephone number 96 530 46 45 or 96 530 27 47.

Further information and bookings of the buses can be made at the Tourist Information Office on the Orihuela Costa, or by telephone to 96 676 00 00 ext 32.

More information on the processions can be found on the website: www.semanasantaorihuela.com/index.php/portfolio/procesiones Bus timetable: Palm Sunday 25th March: 5:30 pm - 00.00 Holy Monday 26th March: 8pm - 00.00 Holy Tuesday 27th March: 8pm - 00.30 Holy Wednesday March 28th: 5pm - 00.30 Holy Thursday 29th March: 8pm - 1:00 a.m.

Good Friday 30th March: 4:30 pm - 1:00 a.m.

Easter Saturday 31st March: 5:30 pm - 10pm Price: 5.40 € from Playa Flamenca and 2.70 € from Entrenaranjos

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Of all of Cartagena´s traditions, the most deeply rooted is Holy Week. The event is marked by a unique series of processions that bear no resemblance to anything in the rest of Spain. The uniqueness lies in the spectacular nature of the processional floats –veritable edifices of light and flowers built in the authentic Cartagena style–, the artistry of the images carried upon them, the rich gold embroidery and the harmony of the procession of penitents who march in perfect order and total silence to the rhythmic beat of drums and traditional processional pieces.

Another feature which has both defined and distinguished Cartagena’s Holy Week, as well as making the processions all the more spectacular, is the traditional rivalry between the two main lay brotherhoods. In their eagerness to improve, these brotherhoods, popularly known as marrajos and californios, are the main reason why the passion processions are as magnificent as they are. Together with the brothers of the Succour and the Resurrection, marrajos and californios, who both compete with and complement each other, share the task of bringing the story of Christ’s passion alive. Following the chronological order of events, they help transform the streets of Cartagena into a mystical urban landscape whose foundations are the solid columns of hooded penitents and the shifting altars of processional floats.

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The Brotherhoods The participants in the Cartagena processions belong to four different brotherhoods which (in order of appearance over what is really a ten-day week) are the brotherhoods of Christ of the Succour, Our Lord Jesus at the Hour of His Arrest (californios), Our Lord Jesus of Nazareth (marrajos) and Our Lord Jesus Resurrected.

This division into four distinct brotherhoods is somewhat deceptive as, unlike in other towns, none of the brotherhoods is restricted to carrying just one or two processional images or to taking part in just one procession; rather, they are subdivided into various independently organized groups within each of the larger Brotherhoods. These groups are then responsible for the floats which are carried in each of the processions organized by the different brotherhoods, processions which, in the case of marrajos and californios, are not restricted to a single day.

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Sacred Images The images of the Passion are the hub around which the processions are organized. In these polychrome wooden sculptures are mixed the desire for realism and a devout sense of the ideal. The realism is necessary for the narration and enactment of the evangelical story of Christ’s passion. The symbolic idealization is what prompts the people to clothe its images in finery, sumptuous gold embroidery and crowns of precious stones and metals.

The only sculptural details to be seen on the clothed images are the visible body parts: head, hands and feet. The remainder is a more or less complex frame designed to give shape to the clothes to be draped upon it. The images can be displayed either separately or in groups of sculptures.

Cartagena’s Holy Week brotherhoods are the heirs to the rich artistic legacy of previous centuries. Amongst the images and sculptural ensembles they inherited were several pieces by Francisco Salzillo (18th century), though most of them were lost during the Civil War. This loss was nonetheless an incentive for the brotherhoods to put together the most important collection of religious sculptures in the whole of twentiethcentury Spain. Together with sculptors from the past, such as Salzillo, the images include work by Mariano Benlliure, José Capuz, Federico Collaut Valera and Juan González Moreno, all of whom are fundamental to an understanding of how the figurative arts have developed in Spain in the last hundred years.

Work such as the Descent from the Cross by Capuz (1930) or the Holy Burial

by González Moreno (1958) continues to be a reference-point for contemporary sculpture. Together with these now classic artists, other more recent sculptors have contributed their own work to a substantial heritage which can be viewed all year round in the different chapels and, of course, in the processions, where it can be seen in all its glory.

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Processions Cartagena-Style All of the Holy Week processions in Cartagena follow the same basic pattern which, while giving each a distinct identity, is the basis of a truly Cartagena concept of the processions.

The procession is divided into «tercios» (or «regiments») which are grouped around each of the processional floats. The regiment is made up of penitents, all members of the same group, wearing «capirotes» («pointed hoods»); three of the penitents lead the procession with the group’s standard. Following them are two symmetrical lines of penitents who keep time with a «hachote», a kind of long stick-like lantern which is generally decorated with finely wrought silver.

At the rear of the regiment come the drummers and the band, just before the float bearing the image or sculptural ensemble of the Passion. Music is thus a key element in each of the group’s processions, both accompanying the step of the regiment of penitents and adding solemnity to the slow passage of the sacred images through the streets. The Cartagena processions have all the trappings of a concert, as music is conceived aesthetically, not as mere accompaniment but as what governs the rhythmic motion of penitents and float. Hence the continued importance of the processional marches and the reason why each of the regiments has maintained its own particular repertoire for the image of its devotion.

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For more information, visit the official Cartagena tourism website, www.cartagenaturismo.es,where you can also download the guide book which features all of the information in this article, and much more, including tips and advice on where to view the processions.

You can also download the guide in PDF form from: www.cartagenaturismo.es/ files/61-24-DOC_FICHERO2/HolyweekStepbyStep.pdf

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69 44 65 821

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