Speeding fines are among the most common resources used by Spain’s Directorate-General of Traffic (DGT) to reduce road danger and encourage drivers to stick to speed limits. A recent report from the DGT shines the light on the most active speed cameras.
According to a recent report from the DGT, Catalonia is home to the two most prolific speed cameras in Spain.
Top Culprits: AP-7 and C-31
The two cameras generating the most fines are located on the AP-7 between Ulldecona and Amposta, and the C-31 in Castell d’Aro. According to Servei Català de Trànsit, the authority responsible for traffic management in Catalonia, each of these cameras identified almost 60,000 drivers during the year 2022. In financial terms, the total amount exceeds €13 million. On average, each camera can capture over 150 vehicles per day violating the established speed limits.
Other high-earning cameras
The segment camera that issued the most fines during 2022 was located in Terres de l’Ebre. This device issued almost 60,000 fines last year, totalling over €6.5 million for the public coffers.
Speed cameras: A life-saving measure
According to the Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT), the deployment of these cameras on Catalonia’s roads has led to a significant reduction in accident statistics and fatalities. Fatalities have decreased by 79.5% along the 18-kilometre stretch of the AP-7 where the device maintains speed control.
On the C-37, the decrease has been even more dramatic—exceeding 90%. Specifically, fatalities and severe injuries from road accidents have been reduced by 93.5%.
Spain’s busiest camera in Cádiz
In Catalonia and the Basque Country, traffic management is devolved to the regional authorities. The DGT notes that the most active camera under its direct management is located in Cádiz, at kilometre 74.7 on the regional A-381 road. This camera issues over 200 daily fines, equating to nearly 80,000 annual penalties.
Also read: DGT strengthens surveillance on high-traffic roads for motorcyclists
The rule of 7 for speeding fines
The DGT itself has explained the operational margin of both fixed and mobile speed cameras. Known as “the rule of 7,” this formula helps drivers understand the speed at which a camera will activate. For roads with limits below 100 km/h, drivers should add seven points to the speed indicated by road signs to know at which speed the camera will flash. For highways and freeways with limits above 100 km/h, the margin is calculated by adding 7% to the speed indicated by road signs. Therefore, on a road with a 110 km/h limit, the camera will not activate until the vehicle exceeds 117 km/h.
Also read: Increase in summer traffic in Spain means more accidents
