Traffic cops rewarded for awarding fines

Spain's El País national newspaper has reported how the Guardia civil are now being assessed for the number of fines that they issue to motorists. The group which represents them claims the move is an attempt to stop their so called ‘dropped ball point pen strike’ which has seen a significant drop in the number of fines being issued, allegedly as a protest at a cut in their salaries.

The officers are now awarded 2 points for every fine issued and four when there is an offence involving the illegal transport of people or goods. Nine points are awarded for a positive breathalyser test, two for attending an accident, and one for providing help on the road.

It has also been suggested that a 150 € bonus will be paid on accruing sufficient points.

Recent statistics have revealed that only 58,000 fines were issued in June this year, while 188,000 were issued in June of 2009 and this initiative is an effort to get things 'back on track'.

The Guardia's union representatives report that regardless of the fall in fines issued in May and June the number of deaths on the roads was down 13% on last year. They say this shows that traffic fines are used to raise funds, but they have no effect on the number of accidents.