I’ve often read (and heard) about a lack of respect for non-smoking laws on the Spanish mainland, but today I came across an item on a German-language website that defies belief: a judge deciding that an alleged drunken driver was innocent – even though she had an accident whilst over the limit and injured someone.

According to the story on IslaCanaria.net, the driver concerned was suffering from a lack of sleep and was over the legal limit as far as alcohol in her blood was concerned.  Admittedly not that much over, but over the limit none the less.  The pedestrian that she apparently hit suffered a broken shoulder and a broken leg and was subsequently not able to work for 6 months.

Now, whatever the circumstances may have been, such as whether the alcohol contributed to the accident, or whether the pedestrian was actually allowed to be where he was, is it not strange that the driver was allowed to get away with being over the limit?

A quick look at the table for alcohol limits shows that the Spanish limit is the same as that in Germany, but is actually lower than the limit in the UK.  I wonder how many British visitors realise that and think that they are OK to drive, but are actually already over the limit?

But the main question has to be: is it usual for Spanish judges to ignore the country’s laws in this way?

The number of British and Irish residents planning to relocate to Lanzarote has jumped by 35% in the second quarter of 2008.  That’s according to figures released by leading Lanzarote property portal, Lanzarote Guidebook, suggesting that the darkening economic situation in the UK and Ireland looks likely to lead to a growth in the number of people seeking a brighter future abroad.

An analysis of the enquiries for property for sale in Lanzarote received between April and June this year reveals that long term rental enquiries have jumped dramatically compared to the first quarter of 2008, now accounting for almost 44% of all enquiries.

Most of those looking to escape rising household bills and falling disposable incomes are seeking apartments to rent on a long term basis in the island’s main resort of Puerto del Carmen, which apart from being the epicentre of both the British and Irish expat communities on the island is the main hub for employment opportunities for most new arrivals.

With a cooling housing market and rising rents in the UK, rental accommodation in the resort and across the island in general is certainly a more cost effective alternative – with one bedroom apartments starting from around the €500 per month mark (currently around £400).

Lanzarote also offers much cheaper food, fuel and utility costs.  As you might imagine, heating bills are non-existent!

There has been a 35% fall in mortgage approvals across the province of Las Palmas, leading to a fall in demand for property for sale and lower prices, as local banks tighten their lending criteria.

The bulk of prospective buyers are currently seeking property at the cheaper end of the market – with 77% of all enquiries received focusing on listings priced below the €300,000 mark.

Geographically, Puerto del Carmen remains the most sought after location for British and Irish based overseas buyers – accounting for 41% of all enquires received.

I’ve blogged before about the free guide book that can be downloaded from the site lanzaroteguidebook.com.

Well, now the summer edition for 2008 has been released and it has got even bigger – now an incredible 112 pages of free information to help visitors prepare their visit to the island, or to help them find their way around whilst there.

The book contains information about the towns and resorts on the island with details of things to do and places to go, but it also has details of forthcoming events on the island and – for those who decide to make their stay more permanent – information on buying property.

If you’re heading to Lanzarote this summer then before you go out and buy expensive – and maybe even outdated – books about the island, download the guidebook and start planning!