NEWS Local News

Payment deadline for motorway tolls extended to 15 days

The Government has extended the post-payment period for electronic tolls from the current 5 to 15 working days, in order to facilitate “the timely realisation of payments by users.” “The increase in the deadline will improve one of the most limiting aspects of the current post-payment regime, facilitating the timely realisation of payments by users”, reads the decree signed by the Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Jorge Delgado, which is expected to come into effect some time in February 2022. Under the terms of the amendment to the law , “in road infrastructures that only have an electronic toll collection system, vehicle owners may pay post-payment tolls, in cash or equivalent means at an ECP (toll collection entity), within 15 working days after passing a vehicle detection point”. Due to the complexity of the toll system and the lack of information, many motorists currently end up not making payments on time and being faced with fines, so the extension of this post-payment period may go some way to help.

Earthquake at sea, measuring 4.4, felt in various parts of coastal Algarve

An earthquake off the Algarve coast, measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale, has been felt on land this evening. A tweet sent out by meteorological institute IPMA asking if citizens had felt the tremor received dozens of replies to the affirmative, from locations stretching from Portimão to Faro. The epicentre was 82kms south of Olhão, at a depth of 12 kms. Source: Algarveresident.com

Algarve resident is awarded an MBE

Kevin Moseley, the creator and Managing Director of SwimFin has been selected for the Member of the British Empire award for services to International trade and his 40+ years in the aquatic industry, including his charity work. "I am absolutely thrilled to be nominated and to receive an MBE. Its only right I share this recognition with the amazing Team SwimFin and every one, National and International, past and present who, collectively have made the business what it is today. Also to everyone who has played a role in my aquatic journey over the last 40+ years and to those who have shown support on a personal and business level. Thank you!" Kevin started out by assisting at his local RLSS club around the age of 14. Progressing to life guard, then onto teaching swimming for the local authority. In the Mid 80's he set out alone to become one of the first recognised private swim schools in the UK. He would employ local swimming teachers at a number of pools, teaching 1000's of children and adults, including SEN and Disabilities. He amassed various and diverse qualifications in teaching, coaching and tutoring. His company would incorporate training the police, armed forces, airline staff and he would work closely with the medical profession to assist patients for a multitude of reasons. Kevin sold the business when SwimFin started demanding more of his time. Interestingly, Kevin was laughed off BBC2's Dragons' Den in 2006 by Theo Paphitis and Duncan Bannatyne, after pitching his child's buoyancy aid, Swimfin. But, with the backing of his wife Nicky, the couple went on to remortgage their home and cash in their life savings to raise a total of £200,000 for the new business. He registered worldwide patents and started Swimfin Ltd from the garage of their home in Burscough, Lancashire, with one other employee. In its first year of trading, Swimfin became an international sensation with orders flooding in from 47 countries and sales topping 70,000. Since then the business has gone from strength to strength. "We have never lost our vision and always strive to push forward. Helping to teach the International population to swim is a monumental task. I am extremely proud that SwimFin is able to make a difference in a FUN and PRACTICAL way, helping to save lives on a daily basis. Thank you to the 100's of 1000's of teachers, coaches, parents and kids who also play a part in this award. Teaching is my passion, I was born to teach, I love it. I still teach when I can, or when I'm needed." Congratulations Kevin!