Operation: American Stuff Ability test for over 65s

THE DGT has introduced changes that see anyone who wishes to renew their driver’s licence at age 65 required to undertake an ability test.

The announcement also affects those aged 70 and over who will need to complete the same ability test every two years in order to retain their licence. Similarly, anyone aged between 18 and 65 will be required to pass the same test every 10 years.

It is understood the changes are an attempt to reduce the number of accidents on the road although there are differing views about the incidence of acci­ dents involving those over 65.

María José Aparicio, Deputy Director of Road Education and Training, told a news source that the death toll involving drivers rises from the age of 65. However, that is disputed by Línea Directa Foundation which along with Fesvial and Centro Zaragoza carried out research that suggested: “Drivers over

65 years of age respect speed limits more and do not drive abruptly as they have their own age limitations, as well as avoiding driving at night or making long journeys.”

The study also found that the number of accidents involving the over 65s was up to four times less than those involving under 25s and half that of people aged between 35 and 44.

SPANISH police have recovered 24 high­end vehicles stolen in the United States in an undercover operation code ­ named ‘American Stuff’.

On Monday, February 20, the Guardia Civil confirmed that the stolen vehicles were found in the port of Algeciras with a market value amounting to €2 million.

The investigators, in the context of the risk analysis carried out in the port of Algeciras during the last year, had detected an increase in the illicit traffic of high­end vehicles from the United States through containers.

As a result of the control, identification and inspection of containers destined for or in transit in Spain, which are carried out daily in the container terminal of the port of Algeciras, a phase of intensification of the services aimed at checking containers in transit which could be carrying stolen vehicles from the

USA destined for African countries began at the beginning of the year.

The officers have been able to verify that the vehicles were stolen in the United States and have therefore been returned to the authorities they are collaborating with, in order to continue with the investigations.