Camouflaged vans, cameras and more means of traffic control in 2020

Summer always brings an increase in car journeys and 2020, although it is a somewhat different summer from other years, will be no exception. That is why it is common for the DGT to set up a road control operation during the summer months. This year a package of new traffic control measures has been announced, and they have already come into force, although they will be more intensive during the summer period.

From fixed speed cameras to section control

Several fixed speed cameras will become section control cameras. This means that instead of taking a single measurement at one specific point on the road, they will rely on a second camera that will take a second measurement a few metres further on in order to check the average speed over the stretch. This type of camera is more accurate and records the vehicle’s average speed over the entire stretch. It is not yet known which fixed cameras will be converted into section control cameras, but this measure will come into force shortly.

Camouflaged vans

Speed will not be the only concern of the DGT, and it is gaining importance when it comes to maintaining road safety. That is why several camouflaged vans will be deployed. These white vans are already operating in certain areas and allow a better view of the interior of cars, making it possible to check whether the driver is using a mobile phone and whether they are wearing their seatbelt correctly.

These camouflaged vans have been running trials since December 2018, when the DGT announced that there was one unit in testing. This number has been increased by an unknown amount and will begin to operate normally this summer. The vans seen so far are white and carry Guardia Civil registration plates (PGC).

They will be used to detect distractions at the wheel, so they will be a powerful tool for traffic control, alongside the Pegasus helicopter, surveillance drones and other systems currently in use. One point to bear in mind: a reform of the Traffic Law is being worked on, under which using a mobile phone would no longer cost 3 driving licence points but would rise to 6 points.

In addition to the DGT’s camouflaged vans, 216 surveillance cameras will also be installed, which will record images of the interior of cars. So this summer we must be even more careful at the wheel, not only for safety, but because a moment’s distraction not only puts us at risk, it could also lead to another scare that hits our wallet.