Lorraine Williamson
From April 7 to April 13, 2025, Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has initiated a robust enforcement campaign aimed at curbing speeding on the nation’s highways.
This initiative, aligned with a broader European effort coordinated by RoadPol, involves intensified checks across various regions.
Targeted areas and surveillance methods
Focused primarily on high-risk routes prone to speeding and accidents, the campaign employs a mix of fixed and mobile speed cameras, complemented by aerial monitoring via helicopters. This year alone, 41 new radar installations have been introduced, comprising 28 fixed devices and 15 section control systems. Plans are underway to expand this network to 122 checkpoints by year-end.
Penalties for offenders
Drivers caught exceeding speed limits face fines ranging from €100 to €600. More severe cases will potentially result in the deduction of up to 6 points from their driving licenses. During the July 2024 campaign, over 1.4 million vehicles underwent scrutiny, resulting in over 64,000 fines issued for speeding.
Impact of speed on road safety
Excessive speed contributed to 218 fatal accidents in 2024, claiming the lives of 1,154 individuals. This was an increase of 1% from the previous year. The DGT underscores that wearing seat belts and helmets significantly mitigates risks. In 2024, fatalities included 156 occupants of cars and vans who were not wearing seat belts, alongside 10 motorcyclists and 14 cyclists who lost their lives due to not wearing helmets.
Importance of safety gear
Emphasising the importance of safety measures, the DGT highlights statistics showing that the risk of pedestrian fatalities in collisions drops drastically from nearly 100% at 80 km/h to just 10% at 30 km/h. This underscores the critical role of speed management in preventing accidents.
Local initiatives in Torremolinos
In Torremolinos and similar locales, authorities are conducting targeted checks around school zones and major thoroughfares. This local effort aims to enhance public awareness and ensure safer road conditions during the campaign period.
As Spain intensifies its efforts to promote road safety through stringent speed enforcement, drivers are urged to adhere to speed limits and prioritise safety gear. These measures are crucial for avoiding fines and penalties but, more importantly, for saving lives on the nation’s roads.