"...
Speed Traps
An average of 41 drivers per day have been caught by the speed radars
on the San Antonio-Ibiza road during their first ten months in operation,
according to figures recently released by the Traffic Department (Trafico).
As reported previously the majority were caught during the first few weeks
the radars were put into operation, and whilst there was a significant decline
during the following few months, it seems the number of people caught on camera
increased once again during the summer months.
In total 12,493 vehicles have been snapped going at more than 80 km/h,
although more than a quarter of these, 3,594 precisely,
were caught during the first month of January.
However, whilst from February-May the figure dropped down to 2,618,
the summer months saw the figure shoot up again,
with 6,281 drivers caught during June to October.
Spain introduced a points system back in June 2006 to try and curb
the increasing number of speed related accidents on the country's roads.
This paid immediate dividends, both on the island and across the mainland,
as accidents have been decreasing dramatically ever since.
Drivers who had held a licence for more than three years were given 12 points;
a new driver or a driver with less than three years experience was given 8 points.
The new system meant 6 points was taken from your total for offences
including driving under the influence of drink (more than 0.50 mg/l) or drugs,
driving in the wrong direction, refusing an alcohol breath test,
dangerous driving and speeding by more than 50 per cent of the speed limit.
Four points can be deducted for various offences including overtaking
and endangering a cyclist or vehicle coming in the opposite direction,
driving without having the necessary licence and throwing objects
out of the vehicle which could potentially cause a fire or an accident.
To check how many points you currently have visit
the Tráfico website at
www.dgt.es.
On the right hand side you will see the link - consulte su saldo de puntos -
then click on saldo de puntos (sin certificado) and enter your NIE number,
and the magic number will appear.
..."
(ibiza-sun)
