HIGH-SPEED rail services between Spain's largest two cities and France have been snapped up by half a million passengers in less than nine months, reveals the transport board.
Traffic exodus this weekend means extra police and speed cameras
27/06/2019
TRAFFIC jams are expected this weekend with the start of the famous 'Operation Exit' as Spanish residents nationwide set off for their holidays – and extra police, speed cameras and road safety campaigns have been launched.
In summer, the first 'Operation Exit' starts on the last weekend of July, and the second, just at the beginning of August, given that many companies in Spain, particularly inland and in large cities, shut down for the entire month, then a staggered 'Operation Return' begins at the end of August and continues into early September for the start of the new school year.
During the summer months, up to 90 million car journeys are expected to take place – some 1.5 million more than in 2018.
Guardia Civil traffic police have been given strict instructions to ensure compliance with the new speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour on secondary roads – formerly 100 kilometres per hour, until January this year – especially given that 80% of fatal accidents happen on these highways.
They will also carry out 900,000 breathalysing operations.
A total of 216 high-definition cameras will be set up, camouflaged cars will be on the roads to keep an eye out for anyone using their mobile phone whilst driving, and 12 helicopters and 11 drones will patrol Spain's roads from the air, flying at least a kilometre above ground so they cannot be seen.
Ongoing traffic authority campaigns on social media and through the mainstream media will be launched, including three specific ones on taking care around cyclists, around motorcyclists, and on speeding.
Drivers are reminded that they must leave a minimum gap of 1.5 metres (five feet approximately) when overtaking cyclists.
This weekend's major traffic movement is due to start tomorrow (Friday) at 15.00 and end on Monday (July 1).
Another will take place between July 31 and August 1, and a third between August 14 and 18, given that August 15 is a national holiday, before the final 'Operation Return' from August 30 to September 1.
Highways mainly affected and where traffic is likely to be intense are those between large, inland cities and the coasts.
Anyone setting off on long journeys or using coastal motorways or trunk roads over these dates should allow extra time for possible gridlock issues.
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TRAFFIC jams are expected this weekend with the start of the famous 'Operation Exit' as Spanish residents nationwide set off for their holidays – and extra police, speed cameras and road safety campaigns have been launched.
In summer, the first 'Operation Exit' starts on the last weekend of July, and the second, just at the beginning of August, given that many companies in Spain, particularly inland and in large cities, shut down for the entire month, then a staggered 'Operation Return' begins at the end of August and continues into early September for the start of the new school year.
During the summer months, up to 90 million car journeys are expected to take place – some 1.5 million more than in 2018.
Guardia Civil traffic police have been given strict instructions to ensure compliance with the new speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour on secondary roads – formerly 100 kilometres per hour, until January this year – especially given that 80% of fatal accidents happen on these highways.
They will also carry out 900,000 breathalysing operations.
A total of 216 high-definition cameras will be set up, camouflaged cars will be on the roads to keep an eye out for anyone using their mobile phone whilst driving, and 12 helicopters and 11 drones will patrol Spain's roads from the air, flying at least a kilometre above ground so they cannot be seen.
Ongoing traffic authority campaigns on social media and through the mainstream media will be launched, including three specific ones on taking care around cyclists, around motorcyclists, and on speeding.
Drivers are reminded that they must leave a minimum gap of 1.5 metres (five feet approximately) when overtaking cyclists.
This weekend's major traffic movement is due to start tomorrow (Friday) at 15.00 and end on Monday (July 1).
Another will take place between July 31 and August 1, and a third between August 14 and 18, given that August 15 is a national holiday, before the final 'Operation Return' from August 30 to September 1.
Highways mainly affected and where traffic is likely to be intense are those between large, inland cities and the coasts.
Anyone setting off on long journeys or using coastal motorways or trunk roads over these dates should allow extra time for possible gridlock issues.
Related Topics
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