Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic will launch its special 15 August operation at 15:00 on Friday, with 5.61 million journeys expected before the operation ends at midnight on Sunday.
The movement comes at the traditional mid-August changeover, when some holidaymakers are heading home just as others begin their break. Trips to beaches, second homes and holiday destinations will combine with shorter journeys to the fiestas held in towns and villages across the country.
DGT has made an unusually strong appeal for caution after 19 people died on Spanish roads last weekend. It is particularly warning drivers not to relax on short or familiar journeys and never to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
When will the roads be busiest?
Friday afternoon is expected to bring the first major pressure as traffic leaves large cities for the coast, second homes and mountain areas. DGT considers 3.00 pm to midnight on Friday an unfavourable period for travel, while Saturday is expected to be busiest between 8.00 am and 3.00 pm.
On Sunday, local coastal roads and routes serving beaches may already be busy during the morning. The main return flow towards Spain’s larger cities will build during the afternoon, with 5.00 pm to midnight identified as the most difficult period. DGT recommends travelling outside these times where possible and planning the route before leaving home.
The timing is particularly important this weekend because the 15 August holiday coincides with fiestas in large numbers of Spanish towns. That creates additional short-distance traffic, including late at night and in the early hours, on both main roads and smaller secondary routes.
More controls on Spain’s roads
Guardia Civil traffic officers will increase speed, alcohol and drug checks during the operation.
DGT will also use fixed and mobile speed cameras, helicopters, drones, cameras and unmarked vehicles to monitor driving behaviour. Extra lanes may be introduced in the busiest areas, while some roadworks will be suspended and restrictions imposed on certain heavy goods vehicles and special transports.
The message is not simply aimed at people making long motorway journeys. DGT says short, familiar trips can be particularly dangerous if drivers become complacent, especially when travelling to and from local celebrations.
Seat belts should be used on every journey, speed limits respected and mobile phones left alone while driving.
Check your route before setting off
The weekend also comes while wildfires continue to affect several parts of Spain, making checking the route before departure particularly important. Road closures or restrictions can change quickly around active fires, and drivers should never attempt to enter a road closed by police or emergency services.
DGT provides live information on accidents, congestion, closures and other incidents through its online traffic service, as well as through the 011 telephone service and its official social-media channels.
For anyone travelling this weekend, the simplest advice is also the most useful: leave extra time, avoid the busiest periods if possible, check the route before setting off and do not assume a short journey is a safe one simply because the road is familiar.
With more than 5.6 million movements expected in three days, even small changes to departure times could make the difference between an easy journey and hours spent in congestion.