Traffic laws question.

[Pintxo]

Hi,
I dont know whether I should be asking here or in the Motoring section.........

However, my/our/local problem is a motorbike repair shop (they also have a big moto showroom in the next street back) in our street. As usual the footpath runs right in front of his big workshop doors and he is forever parking and obstructing the pathway with bikes and scooters and a lot of clients turn up and completely block the pathway whilst talking to the mechanic owner. They will also do repairs on the pathway and on a number of occasions I with my three small Spanish grand daughters and my Spanish wife, along with elderly people, mothers with children and pushchairs, shopping etc have to walk in the road into oncoming traffic. This is a third line back and a one way street but does get extremely busy at times with bikes, cars, vans lorries etc etc.
My Spanish wife has complained to him on several occasions about blocking the pathway but to no avail. She has also been to the Policia Local to complain but they do nothing....as guess where they get their bikes repaired???
Now, I am fully understanding of how hard it is to run a business, been there, but, every night and every morning he wheels in and wheels out up to SIXTY assorted motos under repair, to park in the few moto spaces and handful of much need car parking spaces in the town and also on a pedestrian area adjacent. About 25% of these are scrap or redundant with parts, engines etc missing and no ITVs so basically he is using the street as storage during the day.
At night, he moves about two thirds of the machines indoors, the reast are spread along the length of the parking area with the last ones chained to posts so they cant be moved thus occupying this whole space 24/7/356. The pictures show a good day with just enough room to get a pushchair through.
I know how easy it is to start a war with your neighbours here so any suggestions as to how to tackle the problem would be welcome.

[peteroldracer]

Try Trafico division of the Guardia Civil.....no doubt many of these will have no ITV or have paid any road tax or insurance so should not be on the highway?

[Pintxo]

Tried that, GC say unless a vehicle is moving or being moved no ITV traffic violation is occurring. Hadnt thought about the tax dues or insurance, thanks.

[costakid]

Local business equals no action even tho we are in 2016.

[TorreDelAguila]

You could try talking with your Town Hall, about their use of a public footpath for business purposes.
Take some photographs with you. One with a mum and pram, or wheelchair, or small children, trying to negotiate the pathway might help.

Bad enough cafes taking over road space (which I guess some have permission for) but what you have there is in another league altogether.

Even if a traffic offence is not being committed (although surely Obstruction...), local mayors have considerable powers to regulate and fine traders for unacceptable activities, or siting of items associated with their business. They mayor might also feel he should make contact with GC, in his capacity.

[peteroldracer]

Before going further I should check if the owner is related to the mayor, or a councillor or police. If so, save yourself any more grief and forget it!

[Pintxo]

Notes taken Torre de aguila and Peteoldracer...I am especially careful about your post pete, but my wife is Spanish and if something *beep* her off she wont let it go whether related to the mayor or not...a real Marilena. (no enye)
Just come home and taken a couple of snaps with the path completely blocked by bikes having quick repairs!!

[peteroldracer]

(no enye)!!

If Windows, Alt 0241 for ñ, Alt 0209 for Ñ. Or on an iPad just change language to Spanish!

[MartinEB]

Before going further I should check if the owner is related to the mayor, or a councillor or police.

- y

They are certain to be, fallen foul of that several times here, cousins, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, second cousins, Fathers uncles, brothers cat - you are on a hiding to nothing

[TorreDelAguila]

I wonder what would happen the next morning if a line of cars were parked up on that same pavement during the night?
Or some cones and a run of hazard tape - a less hazardous option.

Seriously, though, you should approach the Town Hall. Would be worth verifying that that pavement is indeed a public one, and not owned by the business. Town Hall will know this.

Another tack, if that fails, could be to let the local newspaper loose on it.

[wollie]

Did you ask any of the other residents for their opinion? be better if not take this on alone, just saying to be careful if you live there and everyone else "kosher" be better for you not have family isolated...
From the pics the situation seems very unreasonable...

[TorreDelAguila]

Good advice. Don't go it alone. A group of residents approaching the Town Hall will be far more effective, and unlikely to be ignored. It also allows the Town Hall to say "We have received a number of complaints...".

[Manchesteral]

I am mean old bast'rd but I will say this, have you considered purchasing a few lires of petrol and some matches ??

[peteroldracer]

Putting up with some minor inconvenience passing this spot is, I think better than spending many years playing leapfrog in the showers of Alhaurin jail.....?