The new Traffic Law criticized for its revenue-raising intent

The Interior Committee of the lower house has today sent the reform of the Traffic Law to the Senate, with amendments that were described as negative because of their revenue-raising intent, according to several motorists’ groups that have spoken out on the matter, such as Devuelta and the European Motorists Association. These associations have stated that this law only serves to offset what the DGT and the town councils have lost due to the economic crisis.

Drink driving penalties have been increased, and in some cases fines will be twice as high, but zero tolerance has not been introduced, despite how much it was promoted. Devuelta has explained that this way they ensure more revenue, since drivers will be allowed to drive under the influence, making sure they continue to bring in money from fines. It also criticizes the ban on radar detectors, given that their use had been approved four years earlier.

For its part, the European Motorists Association has also criticized the new law. This group also argues that it is a law designed to raise more revenue, and that the judicial guarantees to which motorists are entitled are practically eliminated, such as in the case of notifying offences after the offence has been committed. In addition, pedestrians may be subjected to alcohol and drug tests, as if they were drivers.

According to AEA, each year more than 15 million offences are recorded, for a fleet of around 32 million vehicles and some 26 million drivers in our country. The number of offences is extremely high, meaning that more than half of drivers have at least one fine. AEA argues that this figure is enough to conclude that these amendments to the traffic laws have only one purpose: raising revenue.

Source: | Autocasión