New traffic laws start to bite

Traffic headquarters in the Balearics revealed yesterday that there have been 70 cases of very serious offences since the new law on road safety came into force on January 21. The drivers may have their licences withdrawn. A spokesman said it was still too early to speak of the effects of the law, and said that the number of cases was not unusual. Most of the offences are for drunk driving, speeding or anti-reglamentary overtaking. During the same period, the local police and Guardia Civil have reported 11 people for driving while using a mobile phone. The fine in these cases is 60 euros, but this offence is not yet classified as serious. Traffic headquarters said that more time is needed before the effect of the new legislation in the Balearics can be evaluated.