Lorraine Williamson
Spain is preparing to overhaul its road safety monitoring from the skies. After years of relying on ageing helicopters, the DGT is investing heavily in new aircraft, smart surveillance technology, and pilot training to improve its detection of risky driving and management of emergencies.
This transformation comes at a time when speeding and distracted driving remain major causes of fatal road accidents across the country.
From outdated fleet to cutting-edge helicopters
Many of the current helicopters have been in service for more than two decades, with maintenance issues limiting performance and reliability. The upgrade will see modern aircraft gradually replace these ageing models, ensuring year-round coverage and faster response times to traffic incidents.
Smart tech: the digital eyes in the sky
These new helicopters will carry advanced imaging systems, including high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors and improved versions of the Pegasus radar system. Pegasus can measure vehicle speed from the air and capture licence plates clearly, even at long distances or high speeds. With upgraded data links, footage can now be transmitted instantly to control centres and used as court-proof evidence.
Spain ramps up speed control with smart radar deployment
Training the pilots and technicians of the future
The investment is not just in machines but also in people. Specialised training programmes are being rolled out for pilots, camera operators and engineers. The goal is to create highly skilled teams capable of working together seamlessly during monitoring missions, emergencies or large-scale traffic operations.
How much is Spain spending?
The DGT is allocating more than €30 million for the initial phase and around €51 million in total up to 2028. This budget covers new helicopters, smart equipment and ongoing training. The rollout will take place gradually to ensure no disruption to daily aerial surveillance.
Highway surveillance meets smart road technology
While the skies are being reinforced, the roads are also getting smarter. The DGT plans to install 122 new speed-monitoring cameras across Spain this year, complementing drone units and fixed radar systems already in place. Together, these tools create a broader enforcement network designed to encourage safer driving before penalties are issued.
What drivers can expect to see
Motorists may not always notice the helicopters overhead, but their presence will be more constant—especially on busy summer routes, motorways and holiday travel corridors. More radar warning signs, stricter speed enforcement and quicker emergency response will form part of everyday traffic control.
Beyond fines: building a culture of safer driving
Over the past two decades, strict speed enforcement and technology have helped reduce road deaths in Spain. This latest investment signals a shift from patching old systems to creating a modern, permanent infrastructure for road safety. If successful, it could mean fewer accidents, fewer families affected by loss and a stronger driving culture built on awareness rather than fear of fines.
Source: ABC