This weekend is one of the busiest of the year as those who return home from August holidays pass those heading for September vacations. The DGT name this, Operation ‘return’, and advise on hours to avoid the roads.
This weekend, those who return home are joined by those who begin their holidays in September, creating three days of heavy traffic throughout the country. For this reason, the DGT has given a series of guidelines to avoid congestion and have greater safety at the wheel.
From Friday, August 26, until Sunday, August 28, the DGT will deploy all its operations to ensure the millions of Spaniards who go out on the roads return home or start their holidays safely. Repeating the message of “how much does it cost to get here”, due to the tragic consequences of the coronavirus, the institution wants to avoid all possible fatal accidents.
5 million journeys in one weekend
With an estimate of more than 5 million trips between 15:00 on Friday and 24:00 on Sunday, the DGT will open numerous additional lanes these days. They will also restrict the circulation of heavy vehicles and stop roadworks.
The entire arsenal of the DGT
All the DGT’s arsenal will be employed to fine the reckless and ensure safety. That includes:780 fixed radars (92 of them stretch) and 545 speed control mobiles. In addition to 12 helicopters, 39 drones, 261 cameras and 15 camouflaged vans to control the use of mobile phones and seat belts. Further, the Civil Guard agents, as well as all the DGT staff will be at the service of any help that drivers need.
All of this on top of the series of tips the DGT has already begun to launch. There are some hours and areas where traffic will be heavier than normal.
What are the busiest hours for traffic?
Starting on Friday, between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., these will be the first peak hours of the return operation. A stretch in which the millions of workers who finish their working hours and start their holidays coincide with those who want to return home after holidays.
Similarly, on Saturday, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. the big cities will see heavy traffic, as well as in the main communication routes of access to tourist areas and rest, both on the coast and in the mountains. In addition, on Saturday afternoon, large return movements will be underway.
Finally, on Sunday morning traffic jams are likely in the coastal areas, while between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. the decisive point of the return operation will occur. High traffic volumes on the main road axes that connect the coastal, mountain or second home areas with the entrances to large cities will be congested.
In addition, the DGT remind drivers not to consume alcohol and drugs, to check the car’s equipment and maintain responsible driving to ensure the end of the summer passes with the least possible damage.
