Spain has undergone a period of massive growth with a population increase of around 14%, including a huge percentage of immigrants. So it is hardly surprising that during such a boom there was not time to enforce every rule and arbitrate on the various issues and loopholes thrown up by this influx of people. So many have taken advantage of the apparent layback attitude of the Spanish and done as they liked. Especially when the EU rules, intended to make free movement and `harmonisation´ simpler, have in fact sometimes caused more confusion and anomalies or maybe opportunities?

The cliché `The Wild West´ has been frequently used here to describe some of the chaotic situations which have been around. Both unscrupulous companies and private individuals have exploited lots of these.

But it seems that the days of The Wild West are limited and indeed over for some of these situations.

The laws for British, who are residents in Spain, concerning driving UK registered cars with UK Driving licences on Spanish roads has been confusing and constantly changing for many years whilst the EU has sorted out a European policy. Many Brits have been driving old UK bangers without insurance, MOT or having paid any road tax. But now the Guardia Civil are enforcing the rules and if you don’t legally import the car it will be confiscated and crushed. Harsh, but fair on all other law abiding motorists.

Some British are Spanish Resident when it suits them for any beneficial purpose but Non-Resident for other purposes including taxation. One of scams was to have your bank account registered as Non-Resident thus taking the gross interest paid as against having the 18% Spanish Tax deducted at source. Well now that’s changed as well. Times are hard for governments too and they are no longer going to miss out on legitimate tax income.

For years the British have been enjoying viewing in Spain the normal UK TV channels plus Sky paying only a fraction of the UK price for the privilege. This despite knowing that it was probably illegal but so what? `Everybody is doing it´. Well no more. The Guardia Civil have raided the TV companies offices and the services are being closed down. Sport, mainly live football, was being ripped off so laws have been enforced.

So the Spanish Wild West is coming to an end. Whilst I don’t condone law breaking in any shape or form I do understand that it was all part of the fun of a new Spanish life to be a rebel and live a little dangerously after escaping the rigidity of the UK `brown envelope on the mat´ syndrome.

I hear there are still a few dodgy deals going on out in the campo (but Iberdrola can afford it) but in the end you can run but you can’t hide, not even in Spain. Dare I say shame, no maybe not?

PS Spanish TV channel TVE2 and TDP shows live English Premiership and some cup matches for free!

For the Expat Guide to Spanish Football see The Inland Magazine – August edition – out 1/8/2009