Guardia Warned: Fine more drivers, or you´ll lose your monthly bonuses

TRAFFIC cops in Tenerife and the other Canary Islands are under pressure to fine more motorists.

If they don’t, they will lose their monthly 240-euro road-safety bonus, which is why there has been an all-out purge on drivers in recent weeks.

The traffic police have been out in force all overTenerifefor the past few weeks, stopping cars at random and checking on the safety aspects – lights, tyres etc – and paperwork.

The Guardia Civil has sent out letters to officers, warning them that “their productivity is below average and has not reached the appropriate level of performance”.

It also reminds them that Unit Leaders, since 2006, have had the power to strip them of their bonuses.

The letter goes on to say: “This is just a warning, but if productivity is not increased immediately, and if you continue with this low performance, the pertinent action will be taken.”

But the operation has brought a sharp response from the AUGC, the police association to which the majority of the Guardia Civil officers belong.

“Threats like this turn traffic police officers into mere debt collectors,” complains the group.

And that’s exactly what it seems to be: a game of cops and robbers, but with serious intent and cash consequences.

Never has the phrase “Drive carefully” been more apt as the police coffers fill up and drivers’ pockets are emptied.

One motorist was fined 100 euros for crossing a single white line, even though he was attempting to manoeuvre his way slowly around what he believed was an accident.
full story at http://www.canarianweekly.com/guardia-warned-fine-drivers-you%C2%B4ll-lose-monthly-bonuses/