Picture yourself cruising down a sunny Spanish highway, Waze chirping about a speed trap just around the bend. Handy, right? Not if Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) gets its way.  For years, the DGT has been gunning for apps like Waze and Google Maps, itching to block their ability to warn drivers about speed radars and police checkpoints. 

The DGT already contemplates fines between 3,000 euros and 20,000 euros for those caught using Telegram or WhatsApp chat groups to notify others or inform themselves of where police speed radars are. According to recent news reports, many users have abandoned these groups for fear of being fined.

But back to Google Maps and Waze

Unlike the rest of Europe, Spain is the only country seriously considering this move, and it’s stirring up a storm. These apps have been drivers’ sidekicks since 2014, when Waze and SocialDrive exploded with real-time alerts about fixed and mobile radars.  Google Maps jumped on board soon after, using crowd-sourced pings to flag everything from speed cams to roadblocks. 

The DGT, though, sees trouble. “You don’t know who you’re warning,” they argue, pointing out that these alerts could tip off drunk drivers or fugitives dodging drug busts. 

In 2020, DGT boss Pere Navarro laid it bare: he wants to “limit or hinder” these apps, eyeing France’s playbook. 

A 2012 law bans apps alerting other drivers

There, a 2012 law bans apps from pinpointing mobile radars or police stops, forcing Waze to vaguely mark “danger zones” instead of exact spots.

Spain’s push stands alone in Europe, where countries like Germany and Italy let these apps run free. The DGT’s gripe isn’t with fixed radars—those are public knowledge, listed on their own website.

They want the mobile ones, shuffled around by the Civil Guard, shielded. Sharing their precise locations is already a punishable offence, costing 200 euros. 

But the DGT wants more: a full-on ban on app alerts, modelled after France’s strict code. 

The clampdown on WhatsApp groups

They’ve even cracked down on WhatsApp and Telegram groups, on admins for sharing checkpoint tips, citing an old anti-terrorism law.

The apps aren’t going down without a fight. Waze, owned by Google since 2013, thrives on its community of drivers swapping updates. Google Maps, meanwhile, marks fixed radars in yellow and mobile ones in blue, pulling from DGT’s own data and user reports. 

Both are legal for now, but the DGT dreams of a Traffic Law tweak to clamp down. They’ve got new tricks up their sleeve too: “radar carts,” laser-powered mobile units that can be whisked away before apps catch on, rendering alerts useless.

Drivers are caught in the middle. Some call the DGT’s plan overreach, arguing radar warnings promote safer driving. 

Others, like Navarro, insist it’s about saving lives, not just catching speeders. As Spain pushes to be Europe’s outlier, one thing’s clear: your trusty Waze ping might not last much longer.

The town of Benamocarra is once again preparing to welcome one of its most anticipated annual traditions — the San Isidro Spring Festivities, set to take place from May 15 to 18.

This year’s celebration kicks off on Friday, May 16, with the traditional opening speech, or pregón, which will be delivered by Emilio Ortigos, a known figure in the local music scene.

Friday night, the fiesta moves to the town’s Plaza de Toros. There will perform the up-and-coming band ASERE. With four young members and a growing fan base on social media, ASERE is drawing attention with catchy tracks like Mi Morena and A Pasito Lento.

On Saturday, May 17, all eyes will be on the headline act: popular Spanish singer Merche. With more than 20 years in the industry, the Cadiz artist returns to the stage with her latest “Abre tu mente ahora” tour, filled with chart-toppers like Cal y Arena and No me pidas más amor. She has been selling out shows across Spain, and her representation in Benamocarra is expected to draw large crowds.

Both concerts are free, promising unforgettable nights for locals and visitors.

Read here more news from Axarquia.

The number of people dying from skin cancer in Germany has increased sharply over the last two decades. In 2023, around 4,500 people lost their lives to the disease, which is 60.8 per cent more than in 2003, when the number of deaths was approximately 2,800.

This dramatic rise in deaths highlights a worrying trend. Skin cancer is becoming more common in Germany, and it is affecting more people than ever before. Not only are more people dying from it, but the number of patients being treated in hospitals has also increased significantly.

According to the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, around 116,900 people were hospitalised for skin cancer in 2023. This is an 87.5 per cent increase compared to 2003 when there were about 62,000 skin cancer hospital cases.

These numbers reflect a long-term trend that has been growing over the years. While overall hospital treatments in Germany have slightly decreased by 1.2 per cent during the same period, skin cancer cases have gone in the opposite direction. This shows just how serious and widespread the issue has become.

Non-melanoma skin cancer on the rise

The most common type of skin cancer found in patients is non-melanoma skin cancer. This includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These types of skin cancer are generally less deadly than melanoma, but they are still dangerous if left untreated.

In 2003, there were around 41,900 hospital treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer in Germany. By 2023, that number had more than doubled, reaching 91,000 cases. This is a 117 per cent increase in just 20 years.

Experts say that non-melanoma skin cancer mainly affects older people. As the German population ages, more cases are being recorded. At the same time, more people are spending time in the sun without protection, and using tanning beds remains a risk factor.

UV radiation a major cause

One of the biggest causes of skin cancer is UV radiation. This can come from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection in Germany has warned that UV levels in Central Europe have increased over the past few decades.

Spending too much time in the sun without sunscreen, protective clothing, or shade can damage the skin. Over time, this damage can turn into skin cancer. This is why doctors continue to stress the importance of sun protection and regular skin checks.

Tanning beds are another problem. Although their use has decreased recently, many people in Germany, especially young adults, still use them. These machines produce strong UV radiation, which can speed up skin damage and increase the risk of cancer.

Skin cancer more common among men

Men are more likely to be affected by skin cancer than women. In 2023, 56.1 per cent of all skin cancer hospital cases in Germany involved men. They are also more likely to die from the disease.

There are many possible reasons for this. Some studies suggest that men are less likely to use sun cream or visit a dermatologist regularly. Others believe that the types of jobs men do may expose them to more sunlight, especially in industries like construction or agriculture.

Age matters but young adults are not immune

As with most types of cancer, skin cancer mostly affects older people. In Germany, more than half of the people who died from skin cancer in 2023 were over 80 years old. The disease’s risk increases with age, especially after years of sun exposure.

However, it is not just a problem for the elderly. The latest figures show that skin cancer was the cause of death in one per cent of deaths among people aged 30 to 34. That is more than double the rate for the population overall, where skin cancer accounts for 0.4 per cent of all deaths.

A growing share of cancer treatments

In 2023, skin cancer was the main diagnosis in 8.1 per cent of all inpatient cancer treatments in Germany. This is almost double the rate in 2003 when the figure was just 4.1 per cent. In other words, skin cancer now represents a much larger share of all cancer treatments than it did 20 years ago.

This rise puts extra pressure on the healthcare system. It also means that more resources must be directed toward prevention, early diagnosis and public education.

What can be done?

Doctors and cancer experts agree on one thing: most cases of skin cancer can be prevented. Wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and getting regular skin checks are simple steps to save lives.

Educating people about the risks of UV exposure and the importance of skin health is also important. Schools, employers and community organisations can play a role in spreading this message.