The authorities in Cataluña are hoping to use the road traffic laws to curb roadside prostitution in the region.
Such activities are currently controlled by the Ley Orgánica 92 but this, according to the authorities, does not give them much room for manoeuvre. Instead, they intend to use the leeway allowed under the road traffic laws to remove prostitutes from the roadside.
The authorities argue that the ladies offering their sexual favours in return for pecuniary gain are a distraction to drivers and could cause imprudent or reckless manoeuvres. The mind boggles.
The amendments to the laws prohibit the temporary occupation of public areas and involvement in activities related to sexual services as this is deemed incompatible with road safety and inconsistent with the purpose of such public areas.
Both the people offering sexual services and those who request and accept such services will be liable to prosecution.
The government is hoping that the new Bill will be passed before the end of this year.