Quote " He had insurance issued by a Spanish co which does not require the vehicle to have an ITV or MOT, simply that it must be 'roadworthy'. "

I wonder why the UK and Spanish governments employ thousands of "Skilled" persons to put vehicles through a test to ensure the vehicle is safe and fit for purpose. All vehicle owners in Spain are legally obliged to ensure that the car is roadworthy. It is a requirement to have a valid ITV inspection certificate at all times. The ITV test is the equivalent of the UK MOT test and this can only be carried out at authorised testing centres. The aim of the test is to ensure that all cars on the road are roadworthy and to reduce the number of accidents which are caused by drivers using vehicles in a poor condition. If you are caught driving a car that does not have an ITV test certificate you can be prosecuted and fined. But when they flog you the "Insurance" even on a UK plated car they turn a blind eye. >:(