VANDALS caught spraying graffiti on trains will face massive financial penalties under a strict new law in Catalunya.
Offenders now face fines of up to €900,000, with officials describing the new set of punishments as a major step in efforts to clean up the local rail network.
The regional parliament approved the tough measures this week to target organised crews damaging trains across Catalunya.
President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, pushed for the law change after taking a hard line on vandalism since taking office.
The Catalan president previously made his stance clear, saying: “That business of painting trains is over.”
A broad majority backed the reform, including the Socialists, Junts, ERC, PP, Vox and Alianca Catalana.
The political move comes after rail operator Renfe revealed it is spending over €11 million every year cleaning graffiti off trains.
This equals to a daily cost of roughly €32,000 in the region alone.
Under the new rules, graffiti on trains and railway infrastructure is now classed as a serious offence.
Minor offences will carry fines up to €18,000, while serious cases can reach €90,000.
The most severe cases will trigger fines between €90,000 and €900,000.
Officials say the main goal is to stop graffiti crews and cut the massive cost of cleaning and fixing train carriages.
The reform also introduces alternative punishments for minors.
Authorities may give young offenders community service or make them take part in educational programmes.
This allows them to avoid facing full financial penalties.
The legislation passed after months of political debate in Barcelona.
READ MORE: Spaniards abroad: Four Spanish graffiti artists are locked up in Poland for vandalising metro
Supporters say tougher penalties help protect public transport infrastructure.
Opposition parties questioned whether higher fines will actually stop graffiti culture.
Still, the government insists the message is clear. Authorities will no longer treat vandalism on the rail network as a minor nuisance.
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Now do everywhere else!! These grafiitti “artists” need to be severely punished no matter where they leave their destruction.