This motorway is reducing the general speed limit, and it won't be the only one.

We all know that the speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways is set at 120 km/h. This is the general limit on these fast roads, and the one we all have to obey. Exceeding it carries penalties that can range from 100 euros to very high amounts, as well as the loss of driving licence points. Exceptionally, for a few months this limit was lowered to 110 km/h, but the previous maximum was restored after a short time.

Now, new temporary limits have begun to be introduced on a section of one of the busiest motorways in the country, and it has been set at 100 km/h. This restriction is not continuous: it only applies on certain days and at specific times. The explanation provided by the traffic authority is that this will reduce the number of accidents and prevent traffic congestion.

The motorway where this speed reduction has begun to apply is the AP-7, specifically the section between Vilafranca del Penedès and Martorell, although it will not be continuous. The reduced speed limit will apply on Sundays and any public holiday, from 15:00 to 22:00. Another reason to reduce the speed limit, down to 80 km/h in this case, is when an additional lane is opened on this section and is in use.

This measure came into force on 15 September and was proposed by the Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT). The SCT has been responsible for signposting the section and warning drivers, both with vertical signage and warning signs.

A pilot programme that could be extended

This measure is not permanent; it has been introduced on a provisional basis. Nevertheless, applying the reduced speed limit on other sections of the AP-7 under SCT control, as well as on other fast roads, could be considered.

In fact, another section is also under study. It is a stretch of almost 100 kilometres between El Vendrell and Maçanet de la Selva, where the 100 km/h limit will be applied before the end of the year. These measures are working in Catalonia, as they have managed to reduce accidents by 11%, a fairly significant figure.

It is not ruled out that they will be applied on other sections and other fast roads, and who knows whether they will also begin to be applied outside Catalonia, given the positive results being achieved in this region.