Warning issued to anybody using a phone in Spain

Millions of people travel to Spain every year

A warning has been issued to people who walk while using their phones at the same time. In Spain, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) Spanish traffic department is aiming to reduce the number of "unnecessary" accidents.

According to local news site Majorca Bulletin, Spanish authorities are preparing to crack down on "jaywalkers, zebra-crossing abusers, phone zombies and pavement rebels."

The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is the authority responsible for issuing driving licences in Spain. The government agency aims to ensure that drivers have the necessary skills to handle vehicles with the least possible risk.

DGT has shared a statement on its social media pages. The warning issued is: "Pedestrian compliance with traffic rules is essential for safe mobility and avoiding fines. Use the zebra crossings properly – they’re there for a reason."

Brits could face a fine of €200 (£170) for ignoring traffic signals or directions from a traffic officer. Walking across motorways or dual carriageways can land you a fine of €80, too, it has been warned.

DGT adds: "Don’t use your phone while crossing – no, not even for a selfie. Eyes up, feet down, and only step out if it’s safe for you and the drivers.

"Newsflash: the road doesn’t revolve around you. Obey traffic signals. Stay off motorways and dual carriageways – they’re for wheels, not heels."

The regulations, based on Royal Decree 1428/2003 of November 21, seek to reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians and promote safer mobility.

It comes after authorities have detected an increase in reckless behaviour that endangers both pedestrians and drivers.

Another phone warning issued for Spain this month is about a scam. Spanish law enforcement agency the Guardia Civil has issued a warning about a phone scam that has appeared across Spain. The scam takes advantage of users by tricking them to ring back after calling with a single ring.

The scam works as criminals make short calls, often from countries such as Albania, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria, using the prefixes 355, 225, 233, and 234.

The Guardia Civil urges people in Spain to be cautious and not to return a call from an international number with one of the prefixes mentioned above. They suggest that verifying the origin of the call before taking action is "crucial" to avoid scams.

A Foreign Office update from March of this year offered tourists with more information about the mobile app 'ALERT COPS'. The Spanish Police and Civil Guard have a mobile app which offers a number of services.

This includes simple and discreet communication with police forces if you experience or witness a crime. The FCDO says more information can be found on the ALERT COPS webpage.