Tráfico to allow 130kph on motorways but limit to 50kph on some secondary roads

Radar detectors to be forbidden · Taxi drivers to use belts and all kids in back seat · And more

MADRID The traffic authorities (DGT, Dirección General de Tráfico) has thoroughly revised some of its regulations, according to a draft bill presented earlier this week. These include raising speed limits from 120 kph to 130 on some sections of motorways and toll roads, as well as lowering limits in some city areas and secondary roads. Limits on conventional roads such as dual carriageways and other secondary roads will be reduced variously to 90kph, 70kph or even 50, depending on the width of the road. (A more detailed article will soon be available on SpainInformer.com - but we will be expanding this one on Wednesday, so WATCH THIS SPACE!)

Ministry plans total ban of alcohol at the wheel

Speed limits on secondary roads to be lowered

SPAIN (Agencies) Minister of the Interior Jorge Fernández Díaz announced earlier this week that he is preparing a series of restrictions and regulations. Among these is a complete ban on alcohol in the blood when driving. While he pointed out that these were in the preparation stage and not yet law, the minister added that other measures include a speed limit reduction on secondary, or N-roads, would deal with the roads that show three quarter of all fatal accidents. To compensate for this, speed limits on motorways will be increased "where safety is not compromised." Fernández Díaz did not say by how much. Other moves include making bicycle helmets obligatory on all roads, including inner city streets, beginning with under-18s. A ban on cycling on the pavement is also on the cards. The minister said that although the number of fatal accidents had decreased considerably "there is always room for improvement."

Variable speed system for main roads planned

Main road network in Spain

SPAIN (Agencies) The Government is planning to install a variable speed system on the country's main roads (autopistas and autovías), which is scheduled for parliamentary approval 'in the second half of the year', according to the Minister of the Interior, Jorge Fernández Díaz. Another part of the same proposal is that the speed limit on secondary roads be reduced from 100 kph to 90. Speed on the main roads will be controlled by electronic panels, depending on weather and road conditions. Referring to the reduction of speed limits on secondary roads, Fernández Díaz said that 80% of all road accidents happen on these roads and "there is a direct cause-effect between the speed limit and the accident rate." He added that the Government was also trying to meet European values but did not say whether the speed limit on main roads would therefore be raised to 130 kph, a measure that is under analysis. The Minister reminded the press that the Government had begun a campaign against drug-driving. It is calculated that about 19% of drivers do so under the influence of drugs, which, he said, produces a "terrifying" impact on the accident rate.