Drivers in Alhaurin de la Torre are being warned of a new fixed speed camera roughly 200 metres from the Rotonda del Encuentro, in the direction of the prison.

The alert comes from the local social-media account Fuengirolasequeja, which says that the warning sign is already up on the roundabout itself. The Rotonda del Encuentro, on Avenida Ciudad de Ceuta, is the junction most people know as the one next to the Shell service station.

The appearance of the camera has prompted discussion about who installed it. Several recent fixed units in the area, including the one on the A-404 between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin near Miralmonte, and others on the A-7 near Puerto Banus, share a similar design and have been linked to the DGT’s wider programme of new cinemómetros on secondary roads. The Rotonda del Encuentro lies on the A-404, a regional road that already appears on DGT mobile-radar maps.

Alhaurin de la Torre’s own council has installed a number of municipal cameras in recent years (on Avenida de las Americas, Europa, Democracia, Ceuta and elsewhere), typically TRUCAM systems operated by the Policia Local. The newly reported unit has not been confirmed by either the Ayuntamiento or the DGT.

Social-media reaction has been hugely sceptical. Commenters have accused the authorities of prioritising revenue, joked about the copper content of the equipment (as a light-hearted hint to thieves), and argued that money would be better spent repairing roads and adding cycle lanes. Others simply listed copious amounts of other speed cameras already operating nearby (near the Mercadona roundabout, past the technology park towards Malaga and Cartama, etc.). A smaller number of responses defended enforcement, saying careful drivers have nothing to fear.

No official statement has yet confirmed the exact location, operator or activation date. Drivers using the Rotonda del Encuentro and the road towards the prison are advised to watch for the warning sign and observe the posted limit.

A multi-year feud over ruined gardens, biting sheepdogs, and unpaid fines in the Italian Alps has culminated in a legal standoff that brings attention to the tricky balance between traditional pastoral life and modern community boundaries. it started off as a local dispute in Val di Zoldo, but has now escalated into a regional logistical task: ensuring a shepherd, his dogs, and a 400-strong flock clear out of the area without just passing baton of the problem along to the next valley.

Shepherd banned from Val di Zoldo for four years

Luciano Varago, 66, has been ordered by Belluno police headquarters to leave Val di Zoldo, in the northern Italian province of Belluno, and is reportedly barred from returning to the area for four years.

Varago, originally from Farra di Soligo, has travelled with his flock through forests and mountain pastures across the Belluno area for years. Local reports say his presence in Val di Goima has caused repeated friction with residents for more than two years, ranging from unauthorised grazing on private land to sheep entering residential gardens and causing damage.

Residents have also reported incidents involving Varago’s sheepdogs, including allegations that dogs had bitten people. Local authorities previously ordered the seizure of ten dogs considered dangerous, but officers were able to seize only one because the other nine were moved before police arrived.

Hundreds of sheep now have to move

Mayor De Pellegrin has given Varago until Sunday to move his flock, granting him temporary permission to return with the dogs needed to manage the transfer.

Local station Radio Piu has said that Varago expects to reach the Duran area by Sunday evening. His flock—numbering around 400 sheep, goats, and lambs—normally travels towards Valbelluna for the winter anyway, particularly around Sedico and Sospirolo.

Authorities are taking the move seriously, it has brought together mayors, police, health officials, and veterinary services to coordinate the flock’s trek towards Valbelluna. Concerns centre not only on managing such a large herd along public routes, but also on keeping track of the shepherd’s dogs and preventing similar disputes from developing elsewhere.

Italian mountain communities face an unusual dilemma

Varago’s case has drawn attention to an awkward legal limitation for local authorities: issuing fines or banning grazing does not automatically give a local council the authority to remove a shepherd or his livestock.

De Pellegrin stated that numerous penalties had already been issued to Varago, but claimed they remained unpaid, and health authorities found insufficient grounds to classify the situation as animal mistreatment.

For residents of Val di Zoldo, the four-year exclusion order could finally bring relief after years of complaints. Neighbouring communities, however, may now be watching the flock’s journey with considerably more interest than usual.

Mijas mayor Ana Mata has praised the British expat community for its contribution to local charities and community life during the annual Royal British Legion march in La Cala de Mijas on Saturday, October 17.

The procession set off from Butibamba Park before winding its way through La Cala, travelling down the Avenida and continuing to El Torreón, where the event brought attention to the Legion’s work supporting veterans and remembering those who have served in the Armed Forces.

The march marked the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal, the annual fundraising campaign that helps the Royal British Legion provide support to serving and former military personnel and their families.

Mijas mayor praises British community

Mata attended the event and spoke warmly about the importance of British residents to Mijas, highlighting the tireless work many do to support charities and help people in the local community.

She described the British expat community as special to the municipality, recognising the contribution its members make through fundraising, volunteering and other charitable activities.
Her comments underlined the close links between international residents and the wider community in Mijas, where British residents have long played an active role in local social and charitable initiatives.

Royal British Legion ensures veterans are remembered

The mayor also commended the Royal British Legion for its work supporting veterans and ensuring their service and sacrifices are never forgotten. The organisation provides practical and financial assistance to members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans and their families. Its annual Poppy Appeal helps fund this work, while the poppy itself remains a widely recognised symbol of remembrance.

The La Cala march offered an opportunity for residents and visitors to show their support for the appeal and recognise the contribution of military personnel, past and present.

Poppy Appeal launches ahead of Remembrance Sunday

The campaign comes ahead of Remembrance Sunday, which will be observed across the UK and by British communities overseas in November. Money raised through the appeal helps the Royal British Legion continue its welfare work, supporting people who have served their country and those affected by their service.

For the British community in Mijas, Saturday’s event was also a chance to celebrate its relationship with the municipality and demonstrate the continuing importance of remembrance, volunteering and charitable work on the Costa del Sol.