3 days ago
UK holidaymakers in popular destination warned over £430 fines this summer
The area is tightening up rules over getting about the resort
Tourists using electric scooters in Benidorm could now be hit with hefty fines following a major crackdown in the holiday hotspot. Benidorm is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations with hundreds of thousands of British tourists visiting the seaside town each year.
Spanish officials have now said they are tightening up rules around using electric scooters in the area and anyone found to be flouting new rules could be fined £427 (€500). This includes anyone using a scooter to deliver goods.
Benidorm's Mobility councillor, Francis Muñoz said: "In general national and local laws prohibit transporting goods in vehicles which are not designed for that purpose."
He added: "We have spotted increasing numbers of scooters breaking the law but over the next few weeks, users will be warned in an awareness campaign."
According to Muñoz persistent offenders will be fined and that his priority was road safety. Benidorm's Policia Local have already begun monitoring the area to ensure riders are following the laws, reports Birmingham Live.
Mobility Solutions Direct has issued fresh guidance, warning of the increased police scrutiny regarding the insurance of mobility scooter users.
Lee Cartwright, an expert from the company, said: 'The resort is facing issues due to its popularity, particularly with the increasing complaints about mobility scooters.
"Problems arise from people renting them just for fun. The local council has expressed a desire for these scooters to be used responsibly and only for genuine needs.'
Mr Cartwright advised getting proper insurance to offer vital protection. He also says to avoid unnecessary use. 'If you can walk safely without one and you don't have a permit for one, it is best not to ride a mobility scooter to avoid a fine,' he added.
The expert also said to adhere to the speed limits and to not carry another person on your mobility scooter, as they are strictly for sole use.
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Around 20 scooters are subject to a daily spot check in addition to obvious law breakers being pulled over.
Benidorm was recently branded 'The worst place on Earth' by some, despite the resort town attracting roughly 800,000 British holidaymakers annually. Indeed, for certain travellers, its title stems precisely because of the influx of Brits each year.
YouTuber Ben Morris set off to Benidorm investigating whether its infamous notoriety is merited, pointing out that many attribute the resort's issues primarily to one thing: "Brits abroad."
Ben observes that English is far more common than Spanish even in the scenic Old Town, stating: "Lots of people refer to Benidorm as 'Mini Britain,' with the British greatly surpassing the local population."
He was taken aback by the sheer number of people thronging the streets, saying: "I knew that this was a popular holiday destination but I was really thrown off by how busy it actually was.
