News
Torrevieja makes things difficult for applicants for new taxi licenses

Pablo Samper, a councilman and spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, openly questioned the Torrevieja City Council’s decision to issue taxi licenses with “inaccessible technical requirements” and a deadline of March 24th.
Following the City Council’s revision of the municipal ordinance and announcement of the introduction of 16 taxi licenses in multiple phases, the process was started. Six licenses are offered for tender in the first round. There are currently about eighty-four taxis operating in the city.
Since the tender was launched, Samper notes, interested parties have encountered “serious difficulties in being able to submit bids.” The opposition councillor claims that the procedure’s intricacy demonstrates that it was created “without taking into account the reality of the sector.” According to him, the process necessitates a level of computer proficiency and administrative procedure knowledge “that is unacceptable for any ordinary person,” to the extent that the profile of the contractor is utilised by municipal supplier companies to choose public tenders.
Giving more points to bidders who buy an electric or hybrid car—especially if it’s a Euro cab modified for persons with limited mobility—is one of the prize criteria.
No hybrids
Since there are presently no hybrid vans that are modified for Euro taxis available in dealerships and the models that could meet the requirements have delivery times of four to six months, Samper claims that “the lack of supply on the market makes this requirement practically impossible to meet.”
Additionally, these cars need to be adapted to accommodate disabled individuals once they are purchased, which results in an extra three to five weeks of waiting. Some hybrid versions aren’t even adaptable because ramps can’t be installed because the batteries are on the underside of the car.
The City Council demands that the licenses granted be operational within 60 days, notwithstanding these challenges, “which makes this process, quite simply, unfeasible,” according to Samper.
Five years old
Another requirement is that cars must be no more than five years old; newer models receive more points. The technical sheet is the sole way to confirm that the date of the vehicle’s first registration is the date required by the City Council to be used for assessment. “How is it possible for a bidder to display the technical sheet of an unpurchased vehicle? This opposing party notes that this is an obvious illustration of the process’s flaws.
Answers
Sueña Torrevieja cannot keep quiet about a tender that excludes the great majority of drivers and jeopardises our city’s taxi service because “Torrevieja needs solutions, not a process designed to fail,” says Samper.
“We have to deal with an unfathomable technical process, impossible timeframes, and unmet criteria. The councillor asserts that the City Council needs to fix these mistakes right away in order to make obtaining a taxi licence feasible, equitable, and open.
In Torrevieja, a municipality with over 106,000 residents according to the municipal register and ten thousand fewer according to the National Institute of Statistics’ official census, there are very few offers from Driver-Drive Tourism Vehicles (VTC) businesses like Uber, Cabify, or Bolt.
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Santa Pola man questioned by police for teaching children how to shoot a gun in a park

The Santa Pola Local Police responded to an incident near the town’s Skate Park in which a man used an air rifle in front of minors. According to the police force’s social media sites, the person was showing his son and other children how to use the rifle, including shooting rounds into the air.
The incident occurred a few days ago during the officers’ afternoon shift, while they patrolled the area to maintain the safety of public places. They discovered this abnormal condition, which threatened the safety of youngsters and other individuals.
The local police arrived quickly to the area and reported the occurrence to the proper authorities. Fortunately, no serious injuries or consequences were reported, but the incident has aroused worries regarding the reckless use of this type of weapon, particularly in the company of youngsters.
The Local Police attempted to jokingly highlight the gravity of the situation by wondering whether the culprit is a “Father of the Year” candidate. They also emphasised the necessity of promoting civility in public places and educating youngsters about safety regulations.
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Nearly 40 fines issued to scooter drivers in Dénia in one week

During the week of May 5th-11th, the Dénia Local Police increased their enforcement of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), resulting in 38 fines.
The main violations detected were:
Circulate through pedestrian areas or sidewalks
Do not wear a helmet
Driving under the minimum age
Riding with a passenger.
In this regard, the Dénia Local Police reminds you of the basic regulations for driving a vehicle:
Maximum speed: 25 km/h
Minimum age: 15 years
Mandatory use of helmet
Lighting: front white light and rear red light
Permitted areas: 20-30 lanes and bike lane
It is forbidden to drive in pedestrian areas or pavements.
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Couple jailed for robberies using the “hug” method in Malaga and Alicante

The Guardia Civil has arrested a man and a woman, both 38 years old, for allegedly committing six crimes in Malaga and Alicante using the “hug” approach. After appearing before a judge, they were ordered to be held in custody.
On May 1st in Calpe (Alicante), police from the investigation area of the town’s main post saw a suspicious car driving at a low speed. The vehicle’s occupants were particularly interested in older folks passing through the region.
Given these odd conditions, investigators checked the vehicle’s database and determined it was associated with previous crimes. They then identified the occupants, verifying that each had an arrest warrant for a robbery committed weeks earlier in Marbella, according to a Guardia Civil statement.
Key information concerning the arrest:
A 38-year-old man and woman were arrested for six crimes in Malaga and Alicante.
They employed the hugging approach to perpetrate crimes.
They have been linked to a violent robbery in Marbella.
The embrace technique is a frequent practice among organised crime groups.
A couple arrested for robbery with the hug method
While police were conducting the arrest, it was discovered that the same couple had committed a theft in Calpe, stealing two gold chains from a tourist by fondling and personal contact. A thorough examination linked them to four other similar events since April.
Significant economic damage
Several high-end watches were violently robbed in Jávea, Pilar de la Horadada, and Marbella. Jewellery and watches were also stolen in La Nucía, Calpe, and Pedreguer. The anticipated financial loss surpasses €140,000. Both detainees were taken before Denia Investigating Court No. 2 and sentenced to prison.
Criminal organisations’ methods of operation
The hug method is a popular tactic among organised travel groups.
They prefer elderly persons or those in vulnerable positions as their victims.
They distract their victims with phoney gestures of affection before stealing things.
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