These are the new traffic signs you will find on the streets of Madrid

Traffic regulation in cities is something that has been taken into account for years. More and more areas now have protection for pedestrians and cyclists, making cities friendlier and more suitable for coexistence. Recently we have had the chance to see new road markings on roads and city streets, known as “dragon’s teeth” and green lines that are present on several interurban roads. Now another type of signage is joining them.

For the time being, this signage has been seen on the streets of Madrid. These signs, which have been painted on the asphalt, are located near school zones. The aim of this sign is to make drivers realise that they are entering an area close to a school and to take extra precautions.

A sign to reduce speed

These signs consist of six wave-shaped lines, painted in white and yellow, across the middle of the carriageway, crossing it. These road markings are complemented by vertical signs, which announce the entrance to areas considered to be of special protection.

In these areas the maximum speed is limited to 20 km/h, so it is important to know this new regulation well in order to avoid a fine for exceeding the maximum speed set for these areas. To highlight the presence of the sign, it may be accompanied by another one, also painted on the carriageway, reading “School Street“.

This measure does not come on its own, but forms part of an action plan covering the schools in the city’s 21 districts. It also includes measures to improve safety around schools, encourage pedestrian crossings around them and control traffic volume on the streets near them.

Spaces have also been installed for bicycle parking and parking bays for vehicles of people with reduced mobility. Several schools already have these facilities and signs, and within a few weeks the installation and demarcation of these special areas will be completed.

Whether these signs will reach other cities is not yet known. Normally, if a project of this kind is successful in the city where it is installed, it tends to spread to others, so it would not be surprising if the main cities in the country soon had these signs or similar ones.

Photos | Madrid City Council