Lorraine Williamson
In a major upgrade to its speed enforcement strategy, Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is expanding its use of smart radar speed cameras across the country. The move comes in response to rising concerns over road safety and the need to reduce traffic accidents.
This year, 122 new speed control devices are being introduced. So far, 41 of these have already been installed—28 fixed and 15 mobile. The latest additions form part of a broader European initiative aimed at improving road safety through technology.
How smart radars differ from traditional speed cameras
Unlike conventional speed cameras, smart radars can simultaneously track multiple lanes. They also distinguish between different types of vehicles. Using artificial intelligence and sensors, they deliver more precise data and allow for real-time monitoring.
According to the DGT, the enhanced capabilities will improve enforcement and help change driver behaviour over time.
High-risk regions targeted
The cameras are being placed in regions with the highest accident rates. These include Madrid, Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands.
While specific locations are not publicly announced in advance, they can be seen in real-time using apps such as Google Maps or Waze, as well as on the DGT’s official website.
New rules and phased enforcement
Drivers caught speeding within the first month of a new radar’s installation will receive only a warning. After that grace period, fines and penalties will be fully enforced.
Speeding by just 10 km/h above the limit results in a €100 fine. More serious offences could lead to higher fines and a deduction of up to six points from the driver’s licence.
Investment in mobile enforcement
The DGT has allocated €975,000 to expand its fleet of mobile radars. These new units are capable of monitoring several lanes at once and are harder for drivers to detect.
This investment reflects a shift in strategy—away from static enforcement and towards flexible, tech-driven surveillance.
Future plans and EU safety standards
By July 2024, all newly registered vehicles in the EU must come equipped with Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems. These systems combine digital mapping with speed sign recognition to alert drivers in real time if they exceed limits.
The European Road Safety Observatory reports that a 10 km/h increase in speed can raise the risk of fatal accidents by up to 220%.
Campaign results show positive trend
During a recent July enforcement campaign, nearly 1.5 million vehicles were checked, and over 64,000 violations were detected. Officials say the results are promising, suggesting that more drivers are complying with speed limits.
The DGT believes that combining stricter enforcement with smarter technology will continue to reduce accidents and fatalities on Spanish roads.
Sources: autobild.es, infobae.com