Fines awarded for driving 'too slow'

 

The confusion over Spain's maximum motorway speed limits, which increased to 120kmph on Friday just 3 months after being lowered to 100kmph has angered many motorists.

For a few weeks after the limit was lowered the Guardia Civil claimed that they had not been officially notified of any change, and as such none of the speed cameras had been recalibrated, meaning that speeding motorists travelling above 110 kph, but under the previous limit could not be identified.

However in a recent twist Spanish regional newspaper, the 'Levante', has noted how action is now also being taken against those who drive 'too slow', meaning that motorists are in the dark when it comes to knowing exactly what speeds they should be driving at.

The Newspaper notes that drivers passing speed cameras often reduce their speed way under the legal limit to be certain that their speed will not results in points being deducted and a fine awarded to them. Now it seems the authorities in Valencia have begun issuing infractions to drivers who are moving "too slow" on the region's roads.

One Motorist, Jesus Llorens, was awarded a ticket by post on June 14th for driving too slowly past a speed camera. The alleged offense happened in February at 11am driving through a road tunnel in the city centre. "Passing through, I was going no more than 35 or 40km/h, because I was trying not to go 50km/h because I suspected a radar was there," Llorens told the Newspaper.

The 200 Euro fine accused Llorens of driving "at an abnormally reduced speed without just cause, obstructing the progress of another vehicle." The fine drops to 100 euros if paid early as an enticement for people to pay rather than fight their tickets in court.