Attention! These are the types of speed cameras that operate in Spain... and the ones that are coming

Traffic speed cameras have been operating in Spain for years, yet there is little information about them. Basically, people believe that the cameras detect the speed of the car and penalise those who drive above the speed limit set on each road. In reality, however, speed cameras can come in several types and their function can vary depending on these characteristics. Let’s look at which types of speed cameras operate in Spain and their features.

Speed cameras operating in Spain

Fixed speed camera

This is the best-known type of speed camera operating in Spain. It is a camera that is usually mounted above the information panels on the roads, on motorways and dual carriageways as well as conventional roads. It can also be located in a small cabin on the right-hand side of the road, depending on the direction of travel. Its location is public and it is signposted.

It works by measuring speed in the direction of travel and captures the rear number plate of vehicles it detects exceeding the maximum speed. These are becoming more and more accurate, but they are the oldest and most widespread type on the road network.

Mobile speed cameras

They are operated from Guardia Civil vehicles, whether stationary or moving, so they can be positioned anywhere. They detect speeding and record number plates in order to penalise the driver. They can also be placed on the side of the road, on a tripod. They are not easy to spot and can go unnoticed. They are not obliged to be signposted, so they will practically be located in places where their presence is unknown, and they can capture offences committed by inattentive drivers.

Average speed cameras

Average speed cameras calculate the average speed of a vehicle travelling between two points, with one camera placed at the start of the stretch and another at the end. In this way they know the speed at which you enter the stretch and the speed at which you leave it, so they calculate your speed over the route and can determine whether the limit is exceeded along the section.

Sweep cameras

These types of cameras are designed to catch offenders who accelerate as they pass a fixed camera, since there is another slightly further ahead, usually a mobile camera, which takes another measurement and makes it possible to detect offences.

Laser speed camera

These modern cameras use laser technology to measure speed and are extremely sensitive. They can detect excessive speeding in both directions of travel, so they are very efficient. They are usually placed on a tripod or on the crash barrier, which makes them hard to see, and they do not need a warning sign, just like conventional mobile cameras.

Pegasus helicopter

The Pegasus helicopter uses cameras to detect speeding, but also other types of offences, since it can see whether the driver is talking on the phone, is wearing a seatbelt or is doing anything else they should not be doing. There are 10 units of this helicopter and they are usually very effective.

Drones

Drones began to be used this year and make it possible to detect various offences. They are convenient to use and practically invisible, since they operate from a considerable height. Their precision cameras make it possible to detect offences and are very practical.

The cameras that are coming

Mesta Fusión camera

The Mesta Fusión camera is a new camera being installed at certain points on the road network. It is a 4-metre tower that combines speed radar with cameras to detect other types of offences. It has not yet arrived in Spain, although it is being installed in European countries and may also be installed in our country in the coming years.

Noise cameras

Noise cameras will start being used very soon and will serve to detect the noise level of vehicles travelling on a road.

All of these cameras are operating in Spain, to which must be added the urban cameras and radars that detect cars running red lights, for example. So we are well watched, and these cameras make us aware that we must not exceed speed limits. If not for safety, then at least to avoid fines.