Madeira News Blog

Many thanks to Josie for today’s photo … "a piccy of one of the chocolate ‘sculptures’ on display at the chocolate exhibition at the Congress Centre this (last) weekend. Many really good creations there as well as free samples and lovely chocolate and cream drinks".

"The Portuguese settled the Atlantic island of Madeira in the 15th century. In Funchal, Madeira’s main city, the houses and commercial buildings are scattered higglety pigglety, many with sideyards of dwarf banana plants. Of Madeira’s history and heritage too little remains as modern hotels are jammed along Funchal’s seafront like hockey players elbowing each other in the corners. Indeed not that long ago the historic building where Hapsburg Empress ‘SiSi’ of Austria stayed regularly was pulled down to make way for a singularly unimpressive hotel". NOT TOO IMPRESSED WITH MADEIRA

"Madeira, particularly Funchal is known for it’s Christmas lights and this year they have excelled. Switched on progressively from late November, at the time of writing this they are all on and blaze a path all the way from the Lido to the old town (where you will find the best of them) and many other streets too". MORE IMPRESSED WITH MADEIRA

This comes under the heading of ‘Silly Signs’ … suggested by Sheila & Derek.

Sheila & Derek’s caption. : "As the credit crunch bites deeper, Madeira’s business owners are having to downsize on their premises. One company has announced the opening shortly of its new superstore in São Vicente". Many thanks … any more anyone?

Tobi sent in this video link (many thanks) for the rough sea at Ribeira Brava yesterday, whilst also concerned and asking about the safety of the many ducks on the well swollen river. I can assure you Tobi, the ducks are safe and sound, but unfortunately I only had room for three in the freezer. The video didn’t show the slightly mangled Xmas decorations along the sea front, and looking down over the town last night the massive ‘Xmas tree’ and other decorated trees weren’t quite as glamorous as they were the previous night.

I had a bit of a moan about the Missa do Parto yesterday, because of the mega bangers that go off very early every morning (5 am), and if you would like to know more Don has covered the subject on his blog. Just carrying on with what goes on outside the church  rather than in, the mega-bangers are the wake up call for the population within earshot. After the service is over another set of mega-bangers are released to signify that one can now enter the church annex and get stuck into a traditional breakfast that includes bread and aguardente (rum) and other sticky thing and beverages. The letting of off the fireworks is in fact against the law, but a blind eye is turned by the police it seems in the name of tradition. MISSA DO PARTO

Nacional da Madeira Appoint Predrag Jokanovic As New Head Coach. Portuguese outfit Nacional da Madeira have appointed Serbian coach Predrag Jokanovic as their new head coach until the end of the 2009-’10 season. Jokanovic takes the reins from Manuel Machado, who has been hospitalised since 27 November and will not return to work this season. MORE One of the main headlines from yesterday’s Diário, so it saved me a translation.

Many thanks to Elaine (East) once again for yesterday’s top news stories :

Parking from 5.30. For the occasion of the Missas do Parto, from today until December 23, the Church of Ribeira Brava and the Town Hall are associated with a tradition well attended by parishioners and visitors. The car park next to the Town Hall will be open from 5.30 am to meet the extra demand. The capacity of over 100 spaces should help prevent illegally parked cars causing congestion.

Car inspections more expensive from today. The Government believes that Madeira has to follow the increase in rates in the country. The value of the increase is not thought to be significant; cars cost an extra 31 cents and heavy vehicles 49 cents more. This law came from Portugal and the Regional Government thought it only fair that the same increase was implemented in Madeira. Values (including VAT) will be 27.31 (was 27.00) Euros for a car inspection and 41.05 (was 40.56) Euros for heavy vehicles. The price of the ’2 via’ (?) of the certificate of inspection also increases from 2.31 to 2.34 Euros. Re-inspection tariffs are kept without an increase. About 90,000 vehicles are inspected each year in the three centres – Funchal, Porto Santo and the mobile units in Sao Vicente, Faial and Prazeres – representing an annual revenue of 25,000 Euros for light vehicles, which represent about 90% of the inspections.

Update on Avenida do Mar. Yesterday it was reported that the renovation had been finished. There is an ‘Observatory’ (structure made of decking) next to the Praça da Autonomia, the Blind Man sculpture, the pedestrian area near to ETAR (sewerage plant) and Teleferico repaved with a square that can be used for temporary exhibitions. The Blind Man sculpture was inspired by the traditional game ‘Blind Man’s Buff’ and the lives of women of the Old Town coping with the men going to sea. The other two associated projects are the recovery of footpaths in the Garden of  Almirante Reis and renovation of the walls of ETAR. The work has been finished although there is still a court case as a company from the mainland has challenged the awarding of the work.

Hospital car park is bad for your health. The hospital car park is the most expensive in the region, and there is no alternative. A complaint by a visitor that he had to pay 5.30 Euros for just over three hours, while taking his pregnant wife to outpatients. The administration board of the hospital have asked the company running the car park to reduce tariffs but without success. The current tariff is 1.40 Euros per hour and a day costs about 20 Euros. It is usually essential for staff and visitors to the hospital and out-patients to use the car park.

Islamists condemn xenophobic attitudes. The Islamic community in Madeira now have a new mosque. It is located in Bairro de Santo Amaro, a space donated by the Government. The President of the Islamic Community in Lisbon at the inauguration ceremony stressed that, "The mosque was only possible thanks to the great openness of spirit and heart of Dr. Alberto João Jardim, who believes that the tradition of multiethnic, multifaith, multicultural and cultural life is one of the key factors in the harmonious and fraternal Madeiran society. Unlike Switzerland where they want to ban minarets, and other manifestations of xenophobia, in Portugal and particularly in Madeira there is a climate of dialogue and respect that contributes to social peace." Surrounded by a large number of police, given the presence of the Ambassadors of Iran and Saudi Arabia as well as representatives from other embassies and the Islamic community at the opening ceremony. The Bishop of Funchal and other regional church representatives also attended. Jardim said, "The big problem today is those that enter the radical materialism." As normal practice in mosques, everyone had to remove their shoes and women restricted to the back of the room. Uncle Bertie gave that impression! … he doesn’t say that about Indians, Chinese, and immigrants who come here to work! Der

Gale rips off Christmas lights. Ribeira Brava battered by bad weather. Ribeira Brava was battered today for a few brief minutes of intense winds and rain that ripped off Christmas lights, terraces and roofs. According to the Chief Fireman, "Everything happened too quickly, with record rains and strong wind." "The Christmas lights that were attached to poles on the sea front were ripped off from the balcony from where they were hooked." The river is in full spate. At Atouguia in Calheta, the river overflowed and flooded some houses (photo). Trees fell onto a road at Terreiro da Luta (photo) and the Estrada Monumental in Funchal, and rockfalls closed roads in Arco da Calheta and Calheta. At the Lido bathing complex, the waves ‘swept’ the pool and the surrounding sundeck. Six flights were cancelled at the airport during the morning and four planes diverted to Porto Santo. The cruise ship Oriana was to berth off-shore due to lack of space. Due to the high seas causing problems in ferrying passengers to the shore, the captain decided to return to England early mid-morning. Thus, the region lost revenue from 1,700 passengers. The wind will continue over Wednesday and on Thursday, the forecast is for the return of heavy rain and the possibility of thunderstorms. The Azores have been affected by bad weather with nearly 100 people displaced in Terceira, also floods and landslides. (Video on DIÁRIO website)

Garces presents budget for crisis year. The Regional Secretary of Planning and Finance presented the budget for 2010 (1.5 thousand million Euros) which concentrates on reducing the current expenditure and investing in social areas. Education, employment and habitation are the areas highlighted underlining that this is a budget for a year in crisis. Concerns about unemployment are also a priority for the Regional Government and investment in innovation and quality, employment, business development, and energy and administrative modernization. There is an increase in the debt of 180 million Euros and transfers from the State of over 200 million. Alberto João Jardim left the room shortly after the speech by Garces, not staying for the debate. Yesterday, the Legislative Assembly of Madeira approved the 2009 budget. The PSD, CDS-PP and the MPT voted for it, the PS, BE and PCP abstained and the PND voted against the budget. Using the 79 million Euros loan approved in this budget, the Regional Government intends to pay suppliers by the end of this year. Garces has asked the Ministry of Finance for a new loan of 34 million Euros for projects co-financed by the EU. The request had been previously denied on the grounds that Madeira already has excess debt but he argues that the State debt’s is 81% GDP whereas Madeira’s debt is only 18% GDP.

74 complaints of noise this year. Generally, the complaints of excessive noise are against nightclubs (often exceeding the legal hours), industrial activities and neighbour’s dogs. Funchal Council received the most complaints, 30 against establishments and 15 against neighbours, mainly about dogs barking. Santa Cruz Council received 13 complaints and are producing a Charter of Noise and a Noise Map, which outlines the areas where you can make a certain amount of noise (industrial areas and nightlife).

1,270 drivers caught talking on the phone. The PSP this year has caught 1,270 drivers using a mobile phone while driving, 521 cases of failing to wear a seat belt and 120 for lack of child restraint (seats compulsory for under 12 years of age).

Complaints about wage arrears increase in the construction industry. The wage arrears in the construction industry continue to grow, almost 200 complaints by their Union, an increase of 25 – 30% compared to 2008, almost half for wage arrears. Complaints are also about unlawful dismissal, often firms becoming insolvent. The Union suspect that it will be much worse next year despite the Government obtaining a 79 million Euros loan. This is because there will be no improvement in Regional finances and public works employ a lot of workers, and unemployment will probably increase. Data for 2009 will not be available until early 2010. At present, there are 325 officially unemployed related to the construction sector. The real number will be higher as some will not be eligible for unemployment benefit and some will have left the region. The official unemployment total is 13,000 but the Union representative reckons there are 15,000 – 16,000 unemployed. This can lead to divorce, domestic violence and broken families. 

Government provides services and adversely affects businesses. The UEFA delegation staying in Madeira has led to complaints from regional businessmen. The Government decided to offer transport to UEFA, via the Regional Tourism Authority, and this has reduced services that could have been provided by local businessmen. UEFA decided to choose the most expensive hotel in Funchal (Reid’s – over 300 Euros a night), when they could have saved money, has also angered entrepreneurs. The regional authorities have not been such a courteous host to UEFA as the occasion should have merited. Only the airline and hotel industries have benefited from this visit which could have generated more revenue for local businesses and the economy.

Celebrating Madeiran traditions. Xarabanda at Baltazar Dias on Saturday, December 19 at 21.00. Concert entitled, ‘Cantigas ao Menino Jesus’. The repertoire consists of themes of the musical tradition of a Madeiran Christmas.

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :

Gale causes damage -  Floods, landslides and rough seas are other symptoms of the bad weather, that is coming back tomorrow. There are several articles on the bad weather, with some info already provided by Elaine above, so just a few highlights. Gales rip out Christmas lights – Ribeira Brava battered by bad weather. The town of Ribeira Brava was battered on Tuesday, during several minutes of intense winds and rain that ripped out Christmas lights, terraces and roofs (tiles?), according to a fireman. The Chief Fireman of Ribeira Brava, Agostinho Silva, said that "everything happened so quickly, with intense rain and strong winds". The Christmas lights that were attached to poles at the sea front of the town were uprooted and ended broken and mangled, and the steel barriers they were attached to were bent over.  Another report says that a small tornado shook the town, with chairs and tables flying around. The bad weather made itself felt all over the island. In Funchal there is no record of significant damage, besides a small downfall in the area of Terreiro da Luta, and a tree felled in Estrada Monumental. In Calheta there was a rockfall that forced the closure of the regional road between the town and Arco da Calheta, and in Sítio do Atouguia, a river overflowed and flooded some homes. There are also reports of crops damaged, with Banana plants particularly affected.

Intervention by the BIR (Rapid response unit) motivates complaint in MP. A member of  the BIR is facing a complaint from the father of a 17 year old who says that his son was slapped last weekend. The complaint will be handled by the public prosecutor, and is awaiting the issue of a medical report before proceeding. The officer allegedly slapped the lad after he was considering driving home after a night out, possibly after a drinking session with friends, and had got mouthy when he was challenged about his intentions.

Today’s main news headline : ViaMadeira takes €700 million – The government was forced to go to the bank to resolve the financing arrangements for the new concessions for the roads. A case to liven up the Budget debate. President Jardim had to go to the banks in Lisbon, to secure the millions needed to finance the concessions that construct and maintain the roads of Madeira. The operation managed by ViaMadeira (AFA, Zagope, Tecnovia, Somague and Tâmega) could need an amount of up to €700 million, but it was struggling to obtain further funding from the banks, and attempts by the Regional Secretaries of Finance and Infrastructure had to be propped up with the personal intervention of Jardim. Our president met with officials from BES, BCP, and CGD banks in Lisbon, and managed to secure the funding needed, avoiding another direct debt for Madeira.

Councils cutting off Banif Bank following the ‘raspa’.

Emanuel Silva wins prize for ‘Justice and Communication’ – The Diário journalist will receive the national distinction today. Well done, but the headline tells me all I need to know.

Problems in mid-field complicate the ‘last waltz’ – ‘Joka’ returns to Nacional in order to beat Austria. Predrag Jokanovic is taking command of the team for the rest of the season as already mentioned, with the immediate focus on the final Europa League match tonight against FK Austria Vienna. Live at 8.00  pm on SportTV1.

If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link Thank you in anticipation.

Finally (from me that is), Don very kindly sent in a video filmed in Lugar de Baixo Marina yesterday afternoon. Thanks Don :

—————————————————————————————————————————————–
If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

(more…)

Important Things To Remember If Driving On Madeira 

Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

1. If you are a tourist or visiting Madeira, you may hire a car. You cannot own and drive, or borrow a car, unless your licence has been registered with the driving authorities. Nearly all of the car rental agencies are based in Funchal, and some also have booths at Madeira Airport. Most international car rental companies cover Madeira, but not all, and so reservations can usually be made online.

Research shows that most problems with car rental generally are the result of surcharges for extras, petrol, and vehicle damage. Keeping petrol receipts, and doing a careful inspection with photographs of any damage might help you later in the event of problems. Also check the terms of the insurance, as if you make a claim and haven’t followed the requirements, your claim could be rejected.

2. If you are resident on Madeira, you have the option to keep your own European format driving licence, having registered it with the authorities, or you may swap your driving licence for a Portuguese licence. You must register with DGV within 30 days of becoming resident on Madeira.

Registering A Driving Licence – The DGV (Direcção Geral de Viação) is the licensing authority, and is based either behind the casino in Funchal or in the ‘Loja do Cidadão’. To register a EU issued driving licence, you need to complete their registration form, copy it, and take two copies of your ID and two copies of your driving licence. Also you may need to provide photographic ID. You can do this by post or in person. They will give you back a stamped document, which you must keep. With the exception of hire cars, you cannot drive a car on Madeira without registering first.

3. In line with most of Europe, in Portugal you drive on the right hand side, and if you buy a new car it will be left hand drive. You use roundabouts in an anticlockwise direction, otherwise the driving rules are similar to the UK, and the traffic signs and warnings should be recognisable, if not readable.

Many of the roads on Madeira are hilly and have sharp bends, so extra attention is needed. The standard of driving is generally good on the island, but as in any country you need to be beware of the odd idiot driver.

Speed limits on Madeira are signposted, and are generally 40 to 50 kph (kilometres per hour) in built up areas, other wise you can drive at up to 80 kph. The major dual carriage ways (via rápidas) have speed limits of up to 100 kph, with lesser limits displayed where road conditions warrant a reduction.

4. You can import a right or left hand drive car onto Madeira, but the importation process is complex and time consuming, and the re-registration will require you to have a new vehicle registration plate. Right hand drive cars are not popular, and if you try and sell one it will be difficult and you will achieve a considerably lower price than for the same left hand drive model.

The car must be registered within 30 days of arrival on the island, and the importation process must be complete within 180 days, on the risk of impoundment for tax evasion.

5. Depending on  your residency status, you may be able to import a car tax free to Madeira if you have owned the vehicle for sufficient time. If you do have to pay tax it is based on the car age and emission rating, and may result in a considerable tax charge. The charges are available at Finance offices, otherwise the company managing the car import should be able to advise on tax liabilities. You are strongly advised to consider tax implications before bringing a car to Madeira.6. Portuguese law states that you must carry a red warning triangle and a yellow reflective vest in the car at all times, for safety reasons, for use in the event of a breakdown or accident. You must wear the seat belts in both the front and back of the car, and children under the age of 12 years must sit in the back seats.

7. You should carry your insurance, car registration documents, and driving licence with you, when out driving. If stopped by the police you should produce these at the time, if not you may be fined and told to report to a police station on Madeira with your documents. All cars on Madeira should also show 2 or 3 stickers in the top right corner of the windscreen.

The first is provided by the insurance company (seguro automóvel). Car insurance is available on 3 main levels, fully comprehensive, third party fire & theft, and third party. Other additions such as windscreen damage are available for an extra premium, and ‘no claims’ are accrued and can normally be ‘imported’ from non-Portuguese insurance companies, and these ‘no claims’ can also be insured for the car owner only.

The second should show that you have paid your car tax for the year. From 2008, the car tax is paid annually on the anniversary of the vehicle registration,  and can be renewed at Finance offices or over the internet. Car tax has been very cheap for many years, but new rates based on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are now in place that will penalise gas guzzling cars. You should receive a bill at the address registered in Finances when the car tax (IUC) is due, although Madeira does not seem to be in line with the rest of Portugal in this respect, so it is best to keep a diary note to avoid a late payment fine. There is more information on renewing car tax via the internet below.

The third sticker is necessary if the car is over 4 years old, and will be issued at one of Madeira’s inspection (MOT) centres. After the first inspection (4 years), the next is at 6 and then 8 years, and annually thereafter. The inspection will give one of 3 decisions. Pass, with up to 7 minor defects (which although not serious safety issues still need to be rectified). If more than 7 minor defects or a safety defect, you can be failed, on the proviso that you bring the car back promptly with the faults fixed. And lastly, failed with a serious defect(s), in which case the car has to be towed to a garage for repair.

Getting Your Car Inspected (MOT test) – In some respects the car inspection system on Madeira is quite advanced, and a lesson in production line methodology that other countries could learn from. No appointment is needed.

Having got yourself to the test centre, going west out of Funchal and turning off after the petrol station at the sign for the Botanical Gardens, you park up and go into the reception.

There you have to produce the car registration documents, insurance, the previous inspection record, and the princely sum of €26 (2007). Strangely there is no receipt issued. You then put yourself and your car in one of the queues at the back of the building, and drive bit by bit into the building where the test is carried out.

At the first stage they test exhaust emissions, lights, horn, and some under the bonnet stuff. Also they check you have the safety jacket and red triangle in the car. The car then goes onto some rollers to test the brakes, and then is driven over a pit where the car is shaken around to test for unwanted movement in steering and suspension mechanisms. And that is pretty much it!

You then park up at the front, and go into the office to wait for the verdict, hopefully a green certificate with as little printing as possible. This is where things may become a little puzzling, as on occasions money changes hands. Whether this may or may not influence the outcome of an inspection is hard to say. Just ‘tips’ perhaps! And, whilst on the subject of ‘puzzling’, you will also find a bar on the premises, so take it steady!

If you are not so lucky, they will explain what you need to do, which could involve a retest (about €13 in 2007). There is a further test centre at São Vicente, but it is a mobile unit but it is worth checking it is in place to avoid a wasted journey.

Vehicle inspections take place on the anniversary of registration of the vehicle in Portugal, and are based on age of the vehicle. Private vehicles have their first inspection after 4 years of age, then 6 years, 8 years, and then every year. You can take your vehicle for inspect in the two months prior to the due date. Do not leave it until the very last day possible, as the queues can be substantial.

8. On the spot fines are normal for minor traffic offences on Madeira. More serious offences, such as drink driving, may land you in court, resulting in a suspension of your licence and a driving ban, as well as a large fine. If you drive with more than 1.2 g/l of alcohol in your body you will be arrested. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is also an offence.

Drink Driving Limits For Portugal & Madeira – If after a test the alcohol reading equals or exceeds 0.5 g/l but is than 0.8 g/l, the penalty varies between €250 and €1250.  If it is equal or exceeds 0.8 g/l and is lower than 1.2 g/l, the penalty varies between €500 and €2,500 and the driving licence is withdrawn. The length of withdrawal depend on the circumstances and the quality of the defence, but in the best cases it is likely to be at least 3 months. Police are now very vigilant for drunk and dangerous drivers, and the local newspaper publish the numbers arrested every week.

9. Portuguese car insurance covers the car, not just the person. If you lend your car to someone they should be covered, but they must have your authority in writing to borrow your car (meeting a specified format). You must check your insurance policy before lending your car to someone.

10. Outside of Funchal, petrol stations can be sparse, so its best to fill up when you see one unless you know where they are situated. You can buy ordinary grade unleaded petrol (gasolina 95), high grade (gasolina 98) and diesel (gasóleo), but they are all fairly expensive due to the importation costs to Madeira.

11. If you breakdown on the Madeira dual carriageway (via rápida) phone 800 290 290 for
assistance. There are plenty of cameras along the busiest sections, so you may find help is on the way before requesting it. Be aware that mobile phones may not work inside the tunnels, and keep clear of any burning vehicles inside tunnels.

12. If you need to park on Madeira, you will probably have to use a car park if you are in or near a town / city centre. There is no established formula across the island for calculating parking charges, but they are comparatively expensive for local people, who tend to know where else to go to avoid paying. Also, some supermarkets will pay for limited parking when you shop with them. 

Where the ‘P’ sign shows the word ‘LIVRE’, it means parking spaces are available. ‘COMPLETO’ means full up.

13. Car Tax is due on the anniversary of the month of the vehicle registration in Portugal. The tax authorities on Madeira are encouraging car owners to renew car tax through the internet, although it is still possible to do so in your local Finance Office (take all your vehicle documents and tax number with you).

To renew on the internet is fairly simple if you understand Portuguese and have a password to access the IRS website. If you don’t speak Portuguese but are happy to give it a go, go to the IRS website and enter your tax number (Nº Contribuinte) and password (senha). Then go to the grey menu on the left, and select CONTRIBUINTES, ENTREGAR, IU CIRCULAÇÃO. You should find your vehicle listed. Once you have selected your vehicle and submitted your application (EMITIR), you then need to make arrangements to pay. This can be done at the Finance office, through the multibanco machines (ATMs), or through internet banking. Whichever way you choose, you will have to refer to the PDF document that will be presented to you after ‘EMITIR’  to obtain the payment references.

The payment references can also be obtained through the grey menu : CONTRIBUINTES, CONSULTAR, IU CIRCULAÇÃO, DOCUMENTOS.

If you go back through the links above a couple of days after payment, the certificate should be updated with your payment details. Print this off and keep it in your car as proof of payment. You should be sent a window sticker to prove you have valid car tax, but this can take some weeks after renewing to arrive by post.

DISCLAIMER – THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR BRIEF GUIDANCE ONLY, ON A BEST ENDEAVORS BASIS.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION SHOWN HERE, AND YOU SHOULD SEEK INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED IN 2008.

This information sheet is copyright material – do not reproduce in part or full without written consent                                     

carinfo drivinginfo