The Expansion of Radar Maps: Where are Traffic Controls Increasing in Spain?

According to the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), traffic radars primarily serve a preventive and road safety purpose. They are not merely revenue-generating tools but are crucial elements in reducing road accidents.

This organisation views radars as effective tools for accident prevention and promoting safer driving. They aim to be perceived as a safety element rather than a threat, creating a safer road environment for everyone.

Despite these considerations, Spanish drivers will encounter more 'eyes' on the roads this year. A recent report by Coyote reveals that the total number of radars in Spain has increased by 15.44% in 2024, adding 454 new devices and reaching a total of 3,395 radars. This increase is the most significant in the past four years, marking a 28.9% rise since 2021.

The study details that the control network comprises 2,341 fixed radars, 566 traffic light radars, 232 section radars, and 256 seatbelt and mobile radars. Notably, 51% of these radars are located in cities, while 34% are on secondary roads and 18.23% on highways. Interestingly, despite the increase, Spanish users encounter an average of 87 fixed radars per month, significantly fewer than in Italy (155) or Belgium (169).

The growth is particularly notable in the jurisdictions of local authorities. Radars managed by local councils and regional governments have increased by 26.7%, far exceeding the 5.4% increase of those managed by the DGT, Servei, and Trafikoa. Currently, local councils and regional governments manage 51% of the total radars.

The regions leading the increase in radars, with rises above 20%, are the Balearic Islands (33.78%), Asturias (25.59%), Catalonia (21.29%), Extremadura (21.21%), and Andalusia (20.97%). Conversely, Cantabria is the only region that has seen a decrease in its number of radars.

For the third consecutive year, Catalonia (902), Andalusia (450), and Castile and León (356) remain the regions with the most radars, accounting for half of the national total. Madrid has overtaken the Basque Country, ranking fourth with 252 radars.

At the provincial level, Barcelona tops the list with 618 radars, following a 23.5% increase compared to 2023, followed by Madrid (252) and Girona (137).

This increase in controls, according to authorities, aims to combat inappropriate speed, present in 21% of fatal accidents in 2024. "The constant increase in radars demonstrates the need for clear and legal information to avoid penalties and improve safety," says Grégoire Destre, Country Manager of Coyote Spain, highlighting the importance of technology in helping drivers anticipate dangers and the legal location of radars.