Vélez-Málaga Council has drafted a new municipal ordinance to allow certain offenders to opt for community service instead of paying a fine, the measure to be put before the full Council at its next session.
Several other municipalities operate similar systems for minor offences.
Those aged between 14 years and 25 years who are fined for offences relating to litter, street drinking or motoring offences will be able to opt to do community service to the value of 75% of the fine. It will not be possible to substitute community service for the full amount of the fine.
Excluded from this option are those whose crimes are classed as ‘very serious, people who have more than two previous fines in the preceding 12 months or who still owe money to the municipality.
Those over the age of 26 years can also opt for community service but with the proviso that they do not have an income above the IPREM.
Those wishing to take advantage of the community service option have 10 working days from the date of the fine in which to apply to the Department of Sanctions.
A working day will be between 4 and 7 hours with a minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 10 days. A full day will correspond to a €30 reduction to the fine.
The Council will have suitable insurance in place to cover those doing community service.