Traffic radar controversy
Council accused of trying to raise money through fines
THE INSTALLATION of nine radar speed devices across Benidorm this week – which are due to start functioning on Monday – has caused controversy.
Some residents have aimed criticism at the town hall and in particular the councillor for mobility José Ramón González de Zárate over the timing of the initiative.
Resident Maria Giménez said: “There are many ways to make vehicles slow down and all have been brought in around the town – roundabouts, humps, narrowing of lanes but obviously none of these generate an income. With more than half the residents currently unemployed and very few tourists, was it really necessary to introduce the radar devices now?”
One of the new cameras has been installed on Avenida Dr Severo Ochoa, just past Camping Arena Blanca and a main hub coming into Benidorm. This road has had numerous speed bumps in place and the limit is now 30kph. The recently improved oneway section of Avenida Mediterraneo, where the new ‘halo’ lights have been installed, has a speed limit of 10kph, which some residents claim will be virtually impossible to comply with – but a radar device has been set up. An LED board flashes up the speed of approaching cars, with a sad red face or happy green one dependent on the speed recorded.
Resident Jesus Llorente Álvarez urged the council to place the devices at accident blackspots or where there is poor visibility, such as on a bend.
“Why have they been installed on large wide straight roads – it’s all about the money,” he claimed.
The opposition Socialist party (PSOE) has requested that the launch is postponed, adding ‘it is not the most appropriate time given the difficult financial situation faced by many families in Benidorm’. They also pointed out that these devices may affect visitors who will come by vehicle in the coming months and suggest a delay until October or next year, when restrictions will come into force making the centre of Benidorm a low emission zone.