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Written by Jack Troughton
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Thursday, 22 October 2009 |
Chris Turner and the growing file of paperwork.
Car TroubleRetired couple Barry and Christine Turner are being plagued by speeding fines chalked up on the AP7 motorway after bandits stole their BMW two years ago.
The metallic blue 320D estate model has been caught on camera three times racing between Alicante and Valencia at speeds between 150 and 170 kph.
But while someone is enjoying life in the fast lane, Chris told Round Town News the legacy of fines was becoming a massive worry – especially at a time when her husband was convalescing in hospital after complicated heart surgery.
After taking legal advice, the couple paid the penalties, totalling 872 euros, and were later refunded after the situation was explained to the authorities.
However, Chris said at the beginning of the month their Barclays account was emptied of its balance of 570 euros.
She discovered an embargo had been placed on the account and now fears the authorities will raid the account again at the beginning of November.
PRESENT
The couple, who live in Gata, bought the BMW – which is registered in Chris’ name - as a retirement present to themselves but it was stolen from a petrol station forecourt outside Benissa in June 2007. “We wanted to enjoy ourselves and have a good time in our new car.”
Chris said the theft was reported to police and an insurance claim made – but then the fines began arriving.
“We were advised by our solicitor to pay these fines because they were racking up interest all the time,” she said. “Altogether we paid 872 euros and that was later returned because it was accepted it was all a mistake.
“We thought that was the end of it – finished and thank you.”
In April, the Turners even received a letter acknowledging the error and the repayments – but then the tax office Agencia Tributaria struck.
Chris said she banked on line and was shocked to find their account was empty. “I went to the bank in Moraira and asked where the money had gone. I was told there was an embargo on the account from the tax office and that was it – they appeared totally uninterested.
COURT
“I have gone back to our solicitor and she has gone to the notary to get documents witnessed and I think she is taking Trafico to court,” she said.
However, the Turners say they have already paid 500 euros in legal fees and expect to have to pay another 300 euros to the lawyer. “My solicitor is very cross about the whole thing.”
Chris said they had completed all the correct paperwork, the theft and the resulting insurance claim had been notified to Trafico.
“It is a crazy situation. All the documentation went off,” she said. “It has all been a huge worry.
“I keep thinking what if the thieves knock someone down and kills them? Would the police come to me and put me in prison?”
There have been reports the car has been spotted in Murcia – but if anyone spots the car, registration number 2427 CJZ, the Turners ask them to contact the Guardia. “It does seem to be going up and down the motorway.”
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 November 2009 )
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