Lanzarote Relocation

Posts Tagged ‘driving’

I’ve recently been trying to get my rusty old Suzuki Jeep through its ITV again and in the process experienced some of the the best service I have encountered since moving here. Having failed the ITV, I went over the San Bartolome road looking for parts at the Suzuki dealers – Rozalen Zentrum Wagen (they work on all makes of car) and got talking to Jaime over there.

I often feel a bit stupid walking into a Spanish business with frankly, my very poor Spanish. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The young man in the showroom introduced me to his boss, Jaime – who’s English is far better than my Spanish, who not only helped me out with the parts, has since offered me no end of advice and help, including a couple of invaluable tips on the ITV process. Even to the point of offering to bring in a part from his own car that he thought might substitute a part I was looking for so as to check before spending out on a new one.

The moral of the story: So many English speakers on this island tend to be a little afraid, if their command of Spanish is not so good, of the Spanish don’t be. What’s the worst that can happen? You may even end up finding a real gem of a business like this one – and save money into the bargain.

I can’t speak highly enough of this place, and know where I’ll be taking my car to in future.

Rozalen Zentrum Wagen
Ctra.  San Brtolome 23
35500 Arrecife

Tel: 928 80 25 72

When planning to drive in Lanzarote, a concern of many is how they can find their way about the island. Of course there are many Lanzarote maps available… some of which can be picked up for free in shops, tourist information centres, and of course with a hire car. Read the rest of this entry »

Following well informed sources, the traffic fines imposed by the Yaiza local police, will never be claimed and charged… except in the cases of  “on the spot” fines which offer a discount – because:

• There is no formal administrative procedure to recover later payment
• There are no recovery vehicles to remove your car
• There is no “pound” in which to leave said vehicles

In other words… if the fines are not paid, then nothing happens. This means that people who infringe traffic rules do not have to fear rhe fine… even if the police detain and sanction them

The reasons for the above situation has to be one of the following:

• Neglect or imcompetence of the administration of the Yaiza Town Hall government in order to organise the corresponding system of collection and apply it efficiently
• Political convenience, because if minimum severity ios applied at the execution of the traffic rules this could lead to discomfort of the victims and therefore a possible loss of votes by the poilitical party that is supporting the opportunr measures
• A mixture of the two

In any case the lack of action in this sense leads to a relaxation of the traffic by-laws, because the payment of the corresponding sanctions is not demanded and this leads to the absence of income for the municiapl ark, income which, in times like these, could be used to help the most needy citizens

These views do not reflect our own, but are gratefully received from Yolanda and Claudia of Playa Blanca Hoy. We would never recommend the non payment of fines, and would advise all persons to treat police officers with respect – whilst adhering as far as possible to the letter of the law (even if you disagree with it).

We have mentioned this elsewhere but it is worth mentioning more specifically again…

It was quite a while after arriving in Lanzarote we heard about what we thought was a fantastic idea, when it comes to road etiquette. That could and perhaps should be applied anywhere including the UK!

Should you find yourself in an emergency situation, have to dash one of the kids to Accident and Emergency, or you´ve unexpectedly gone into labour – you are getting the picture now we’re sure… Read the rest of this entry »

Driving in Lanzarote is usually a pleasure, due to the good quality of the main roads, plentiful signs, and a lower level of traffic than back in the UK. Of course there are some treacherous areas (as with anywhere) that demand extra concentration. Here are some rules and tips whilst driving in Lanzarote, and some Spanish driving laws. Read the rest of this entry »