Portuguese police targets British tourists

Society Posted on 24/08/2012

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Tourists have been warned that Portugal's traffic police is targeting foreign motorists visiting the country, and imposing large fines for small or little known offences.

The Telegraph reports that holidaymakers have been stopped for offences such as parking against the flow of traffic and driving in flip-flops, incurring fines of over £160.

The National Republican Guard enforces motoring laws throughout the country and has been accused of targeting tourists with large fines, after being told to increase their annual revenue to aid the country's economy.

British tourists are claimed to be seen as 'soft targets' by officers, as they do not contest fines too heavily and pay up on the spot. The Foreign Office has also warned holidaymakers that 'fines for traffic offences are substantial in Portugal', with officers equipped with portable card machines to facilitate the immediate payment of fines.

The Telegraph also mentioned one British resident who stated that the police was only pulling over foreign registration-plated cars and has even confiscated the vehicle of an elderly British couple. On the other hand, police reported seeing only British cars clamped in areas that did not display any visible no-parking signs.

A spokesman for the Portuguese Automobile Club said it was "struggling with the government" to resolve the issue, noting that it was "certainly not good for tourism".

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In brief : Society