A moped has been seized by Local Police in Fuengirola after officers found it had been illegally modified to produce excessive noise, in a move aimed at tackling one of residents’ most common complaints.

The vehicle was stopped during a traffic control operation on Avenida de Los Pacos on Friday night.

According to Fuengirola Town Hall, officers immobilised the moped after detecting that modifications had been made to its exhaust system, causing noise levels above the legal limit.

The practice is not only illegal under Spanish traffic regulations but is also a frequent source of complaints from residents, particularly during the busy summer months when motorcycles and mopeds are more common on the roads.

Drivers caught using vehicles with unauthorised exhaust modifications can face fines, be required to restore the vehicle to its original condition and, as in this case, have the vehicle taken off the road until it complies with regulations.

The operation formed part of a wider road safety campaign carried out in Los Pacos and along Fuengirola’s seafront near Plaza Theresa Zabell.

During the controls, officers also detected several motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police issued one penalty for drink-driving and six for driving after consuming narcotics, mainly THC, while one driver also tested positive for cocaine.

In total, 23 traffic-related offences were recorded during the various enforcement operations carried out throughout the day.

The Town Hall said the checks were designed to improve road safety and reduce nuisance behaviour in residential areas.

Officials reminded drivers that both vehicle modifications and driving under the influence can carry serious penalties and place other road users at risk.

‘Your responsibility behind the wheel can save lives,’ the council said in a statement.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.