The Cabildo of Lanzarote, through the Department of Transport and Mobility, has intensified in recent weeks its work of inspection and control against vehicle rentals without a driver offered irregularly on the island. The government group defends in a press release that this action is framed "in the firm will" to guarantee a framework of fair competition, protect the consumer and reinforce legality in the transport sector.
As a result of these actions, a total of 60 infraction reports have been processed, as a result of the inspection tasks carried out in collaboration with the Local Police of the different municipalities and the Traffic Civil Guard. Most of these infractions correspond to vehicle rental activities without a driver carried out or promoted without due communication to the Cabildo of Lanzarote, a legal requirement established in the Canary Islands Road Transport Law (LOTCC).
This regulation classifies this practice as a serious or very serious infraction, with financial penalties ranging from 801 euros to 4,001 euros, depending on the severity of each case.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, has stated that "we are not going to allow the legality or the safety of those who visit or reside on this island to be played with. Companies that operate legally deserve a fair environment. This work, which we will continue in a sustained manner over time, demonstrates that we have listened to the sector and are acting."
Combating intrusion
For his part, the island councilor of Transport and Mobility, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, has valued the work carried out by the Area's inspection service, and has clarified that the complaints transferred by the Lanzarote Rent a Car Association (ASERENT) "have been attended to promptly." This inspection offensive "is a clear response to the legitimate concern of the sector regarding intrusion, which in addition to unfair competition, can put users at risk by not guaranteeing minimum safety conditions or legal coverage."
The actions promoted by the Island Institution are framed within the Cabildo's own powers, and are reinforced by the complaints made by the Lanzarote Rent a Car Association, who warned the Corporation of the negative impact that this type of illegal offer - often channeled through digital platforms - is producing on companies that scrupulously comply with legal requirements.
The activity of these platforms, when not subject to a license, can pose a danger to those who rent these vehicles, as they do not know if they comply with mandatory insurance or technical revisions, warned the group of companies.
