Driving Malaga at night
This dual carriageway between Malaga and Marbella is considered one of the most dangerous in the country.
After considering various options to improve road safety on Spanish roads, the country's Interier Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, recently announced plans for all motorways and dual carriageways to have variable speed limits. This means that the maximum speed limit can be changed due to adverse weather or traffic conditions. Current speed limits in Spain are 120 km/h for motorways and 100 km/h for secondary (B) roads. These principles are already in operation on roads around Barcelona where, based on weather and traffic, the speed limit of roads can be reduced from 120 km/h to 60 km/h. You should start seeing electronic panels for variable speed limits on the increase so watch out for them.
Earlier, the minister had hinted at changes regarding the speed limits of motorways and B roads saying that it did not seem reasonable that they were so close together. This is considering that motorways had more safety measures in place and, more importantly, B roads tended to be more dangerous with over 80% of accidents happening on them. They are looking at reducing the maximum speed limit on B roads to 90 km/h and increasing the speed limit on motorways to 130 km/h. The higher speed limit for motorways would put Spain in line with other EU countries including France and Italy. The minister has also added that they will also be considering the environmental impact of any proposed changes as well. They're expected to reveal further plans on speed limits later on this year.
From 120 to 110 and back to 120
110 km/h too boring for Alonso
Formula 1 racer, Fernando Alonso, was reported to have poured scorn on the reduced limit saying that it would be difficult to stay awake driving just 110 km/h. However, in response to the comments, the then government said that US drivers were faced with the same speed limit and he had never seen them driving while asleep...
In a bid to save people money on petrol as a result of increased fuel prices last year, the previous government reduced the 120 km/h limit to 110 km/h with people working through the night to cover up the 120 signs with 110 stickers. However, the change was short-lived as it was back to 120 km/h within months. The then government said that it had saved Spain €450m - however the reduction was hugely unpopular with some believing the change was a ruse to get more money from people through an increase in speeding fines.
Planning a spanish road trip?
Get on the road with a great deal Spain car hire from us! We've got low prices throughout Spain so why not get that trip into gear and get a quote now...