The new strategy of the DGT
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has launched an innovative initiative to improve road safety: the installation of ‘invisible’ radars. These new devices are part of an ongoing effort to prevent drivers from breaking speed limits and putting everyone’s safety at risk.
Radars as a security tool
Radars have always been a key tool for the DGT. These devices constantly monitor the roads, measure the speed of vehicles and capture images of offenders. Thanks to them, many people who put road safety at risk have been identified and punished.
However, drivers often know the location of fixed speed cameras and try to avoid them. This can lead to a reduction in speed only at these specific points, while the permitted limit is then exceeded again.
The ‘invisible’ radars as a solution
To address this behavior, the DGT has implemented a new tactic: ‘invisible’ mobile radars. Unlike fixed radars, these devices are carried in camouflaged vehicles and have no visible insignia to identify them as radars.
Mobile speed cameras can be placed anywhere and at any time, making it impossible for drivers to know where they are. They regularly move to different points on routes, both on roads and motorways, and stay in each location for only a few hours before moving on.
These mobile radars are equipped with advanced technology that emits a signal that is reflected by vehicles passing through their area of influence. This signal allows the speed of each vehicle to be calculated and, if the permitted limit is exceeded, the radar instantly captures an image of the offending vehicle.
The captured image includes the vehicle’s number plate and is supplemented with relevant information such as the measured speed, date, time and exact location of the offence. All this information is sent to the processing center of the DGT, where the violation is verified and, if it is the case, a fine is issued to the owner of the vehicle.
The impact of ‘invisible’ radars
The introduction of these ‘invisible’ mobile radars has had a significant impact on drivers. It is no longer possible to predict the location of speed cameras, forcing drivers to respect speed limits at all times and not just at known points. This new strategy has been successfully implemented and 88 new radars have been installed this year, adding to the more than 2,000 already in operation.
The future of ‘invisible’ radars
The DGT plans to continue expanding this network of ‘invisible’ radars over the next two years. The objective is clear: to reduce accidents and increase safety on Spanish roads. For drivers, this means that consistent compliance with speed limits is more important than ever.
With these ‘invisible’ radars in operation, any attempt to evade speed rules can result in an immediate and effective penalty.