Clamping down on repeat offenders

A TOTAL of 22 vehicles have been seized in Ourense, in Galicia, north western Spain.

The DGT took the vehicles from repeat road safety offenders. Although seemingly extreme, the action was taken on account of the severity of the repeat offences. The public prosecutor said each of the owners would have potentially had their vehicles seized for accumulating at least three consecutive convictions in a two year period for various crimes, such as drink and drug driving, or driving without a valid licence.

Of the vehicles seized, 19 have been scrapped. The remaining three are being held as evidence on account of continued investigations being carried out.

The Guardia Civil arrested 362 people in Ourense in 2016, all for serious offences against road safety. The majority were related to alcohol with 204 drivers arrested for driving whilst over the alcohol limit.

As well as clamping down on offenders, it is hoped it will enhance road safety for users. Last year, across the Spanish road network system, there were 1,038 fatal incidents in which 1,160 people lost their lives. A further 5,067 people needed hospital treatment as a result of a traffic accident.

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