The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 27th September 2023
by Mike Evans
Good day to you all. With the end of Summer now on the horizon, for many residents this is the time that they take to enjoy the Algarve and beyond when the crowds are low. Whilst much of the infrastructure is still in place people should remember that some elements of keeping you safe are withdrawn especially on the beaches. Please remember that the lifeguards on many beaches will disappear at the end of this month so be aware for yourself and other beach goers of the dangers that still lurk in the sea. Rip currents are especially difficult to spot and we have been raising this issue over the summer and how to spot them as well as how to escape from one.
With the temperatures set to remain in the mid 20’s for October it is a lovely time to enjoy our fabulous country but please be wary of the dangers that may be lurking!
Now a look at some of the stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past week.
FORMER OLHÃO COUNCILLOR SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS FOR MEGA FRAUD OF ILLEGAL APPROPRIATION OF BUILDINGS
The Judicial Court of Faro was the stage, this Wednesday afternoon, for the reading of the ruling, despite the strike of judicial employees during the investigations, of a mega fraud case.
More than 30 people were accused of fraud and forgery crimes, for having appropriated land and houses that did not belong to them. One of the accused was João Pereira, former councillor of the Olhão Chamber, who was sentenced to nine years in prison.
More than 20 buildings in Olhão, Faro and Albufeira were illegally appropriated in a scheme in which the leader was the former councillor of Olhão.
The former councillor of Bloco de Esquerda (BE) was suspected of organising the necessary documentation and presenting it to the notary at the Olhão Notary Office, accompanying the justifications. In some cases, he was also a witness to the facts that served to justify possession by adverse possession. It was João Pereira who, as a rule, registered with the land registry offices. The notary from the Olhão Notary Office was one of the accused, but was acquitted of all crimes.
The public deeds of justification were carried out at the Olhão Notary’s Office, stating that the buildings in question had been sold or donated verbally in the 1980s. More than 20 buildings in Olhão, Faro and Albufeira were illegally appropriated.
João Pereira is the first activist expelled in the history of BE, for allegedly “failing to tell the truth” about several processes, including an alleged fraudulent bankruptcy of a company and debts to the tax authorities.
Of the 32 defendants, two were sentenced to effective prison sentences, 16 to suspended prison sentences and one to a fine. The rest were acquitted. The trial had started in March and ended this Wednesday.
Sérgio Martins, the president of the Parish Council of Santa Bárbara de Nexe, in Faro, was the first to warn about this situation. Between 2019 and 2020, Sérgio Martins published two videos on Facebook about the issue.
LPG STATION IN THE ALGARVE CLOSED FOR POSING A DANGER
Authorities have closed a Liquefied Petroleum Gas ( LPG ) filling station in the Algarve, which will be dismantled as it represents a “potential danger” to the local population, announced the National Entity for the Energy Sector ( ENSE ).
In a statement, ENSE said that it had sealed the station, the exact location of which it did not specify, and that it had been “completely removed, thus guaranteeing the safety of residents in the area”.
According to this entity, measures were also taken to dismantle the station, which was not licensed, did not have mandatory civil liability insurance, nor authorization to operate the LPG tank (ESP). GPL Auto also did not have metrological control of the reservoir pressure gauge, among other “serious risks to the safety and health of people and property”, highlights ENSE, which sealed the station during a nationwide inspection action.
In this action, which ended on Friday, September 22nd, ENSE carried out inspections of 28 LPG Auto stations across the country.
During these actions, which involved the collection of evidence for subsequent analysis, special attention was paid to the safety conditions necessary for the operation of these filling stations. “These actions have the main objective of ensuring compliance with current legislation, as well as compliance with safety rules and guaranteeing free market competition”, he concluded.
Three injured in explosion at Vila Galé Lagos restaurant
Three people were injured – two seriously – after a bottle of alcohol exploded during a live cooking show at the restaurant of Vila Galé Lagos Hotel on Monday.
Two German clients – male, aged 83 and 69 – sustained serious injuries while a Portuguese man, 50, suffered light injuries.
The incident occurred at around 6.45pm.
The hotel management said in a statement that it is collaborating with local authorities and closely following the guests’ health condition, ensuring that all appropriate safety measures are implemented to prevent future incidents.”
British expats to lose Barclays Bank accounts
British people living abroad who bank with Barclays are going to have their UK current or savings accounts closed, which could leave customers with no access to their savings and pensions.
According to The Daily Telegraph, it states that the bank began a review of its international offerings in 2021 and is now writing to customers with a six-month warning and that a Barclays spokesman stated that “UK products are designed for customers living in Britain”. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) added that “it was a commercial decision as banks are allowed to set their own rules on customers which they accept.”
The lender cited by The Telegraph, has advised expats to open a global account with Barclays, however, they will need to maintain a balance of £100,000 in order to avoid a monthly charge of £40. According to The Telegraph: “In 2021, Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Halifax and the Bank of Scotland, contacted 13,000 expats who live in Europe to tell them their accounts held in Britain would close as the bank is no longer allowed to offer services.”
Under the latest closures, those with cash ISAs and fixed-rate bonds will be able to keep their accounts unless they live in Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands or Slovakia.
The same rule applies to mortgage and loan holders with the UK wing of the bank. However, existing home loan customers will not be able to remortgage when their term ends.
Crown employees and their spouses can also keep the accounts, and the bank will allow the account to remain open if the overseas address is for someone who manages the money, such as an accountant or lawyer.”
A FCA spokesman said “Banks may set their own requirements on country of residence for account holders and must comply with local law and regulation when serving customers outside the UK.
“Whether or not banks decide to extend services to customers outside of the UK is a commercial decision for them, but we expect them to treat their customers fairly, comply with equalities legislation, and provide adequate notice to the customer if they decide to close their account.
“Customers who feel they have had their accounts closed unfairly have the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.”
A separate article published by The Guardian explained that “Financial services in the UK can currently trade across the European Economic Area (EEA) because member countries are bound by the same regulatory framework.
The arrangement, known as “passporting”, expires at the end of the year and, while the UK has legislated so that EU banks can continue to provide services for customers in Britain, the EU has not done the same.” Customers who bank with firms that own EU-based subsidiaries are having their accounts transferred, but banks that do not have an EU arm would have to apply for a licence to trade in each EEA country. Some banks have too small a customer base in the EU to justify the cost.”
Thinking of taking a Trip to Spain?
Finally, If you are planning a trip to Spain and intend to drive during your stay, it is essential to know the differences and specificities of the roads and regulations in relation to Portugal. Driving in Spain can be a pleasant experience, as long as you are prepared.
In this piece, using some of the information from Ekonomista, we will cover the main aspects to consider before venturing onto Spanish roads.
Documentation required in Spain: For European Union citizens, including the Portuguese, driving in Spain is relatively simple in terms of documentation. You must have the following documents with you:
Driving licence: Your valid driving licence is essential. Make sure it is up to date and in compliance with regulations.
Vehicle documents: Make sure you have the vehicle documents, including the Documento Único and the green card (international insurance certificate).
Signal triangle: Have a warning triangle in the vehicle. If you want to become a resident in Spain, you will need two triangles. These are mandatory when the vehicle is immobilised in the lane.
Spare tyre and tools: In Spain, it is mandatory for vehicles to have a spare tire in good condition and the necessary tools for replacement. The only exception is when the vehicle is not factory equipped with a spare tyre, but rather with a repair kit.
Differences in Traffic Regulations: Although there are many similarities between traffic regulations in Spain and Portugal, it is important to be aware of some significant differences:
Daytime running lights: For motorcycles, the use of permanent daytime running lights is mandatory, even during the day. For other vehicles, this obligation only applies in conditions of reduced visibility.
Blood alcohol limit: In Spain, the maximum blood alcohol level allowed for newly licensed and professional drivers is 0.3 g/l (0.2 g/l in Portugal), while for other drivers it is 0.5 g/l , the same as in Portugal.
Speed limits: Speed limits vary on motorways (120 km/h), conventional roads (100 km/h), other roads (90 km/h), and urban areas (50 km/h). Please note that as of May 2021, 70% of urban streets have a speed limit of 30 km/h.
In addition to the main differences in regulations, keep the following issues in mind when driving in Spain: Seat belts.The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, inside and outside the locations. Fines can reach €200: Cell phones . Talking on a cell phone while driving is prohibited, except when using a hands-free system.
Fines: The traffic police can impose fines at the location of the violation. Fines can be challenged within a maximum period of 15 days. Paying now reduces the fine by 30%. If you do not pay and do not indicate a person or company as payment guarantee, the vehicle may be confiscated.
Parking . In large cities, public on-street parking usually has a maximum limit of two hours.
Highways . Many motorways in Spain have tolls , with rates that can vary according to the time of day and the time of year.
Now that you are informed about the differences and regulations when driving in Spain, you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind, whether for leisure or work.
Always remember to respect local traffic laws and ensure that your vehicle and documentation are in compliance.
Have a great week.