ROAD FINES IN THE ALGARVE 2009

[BONDI]

Just read an interesting article about increased police presence on the roads in Portugal. The figures just released shows that
Portugal’s police force has reaped more than €21 million in fines. The first two months of this year brought in a further €5.2 million when compared to January and February 2008.Do you think this has or will make roads more safer in Portugal. or is it just another money making ploy.? Has anybody been recently stopped and fined by the police on the roads in the algarve? we would love to share your experience with us.

Bondi

[widge]

The police had a roadblock set up in Lagoa yesterday afternoon on the road to Sesmarias. Fortunately they stopped the car in front of me which was on Spanish plates.

[blue]

A friend was stopped by the police the other week for using his mobile phone while driving (which is hysterical seeing as the police seem to do it all the time), he got a big fine, can't remember how much but hundreds, which he had to pay straight away & the police used a card machine to take payment.

[BONDI]

Thanks to you both blue/widge.

A friend of mine was recently fined 139 euros for using a mobile phone while sitting in the parked car, Police fined him because his engine was running, and hence he was breaking the law.Seems this fine business is big business with most authorities. any excuse to make money i suppose.

Bondi

[Gary/Gaynor]

Well maybe you should ask the motorists in the UK about speeding fines now that really is a cash cow. As for idiots that use mobiles whilst driving think the fine should be a minimum of £500 its outright bloody dangerous Some say its equivalent to drink driving....

Gary