A year marked by congestion
The AP-7 has experienced a complicated 2024 year for drivers, becoming a true labyrinth of withholdings and congestion. The data from the Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) indicate that the situation has reached alarming levels, with a daily average of 10 hours of queues in each direction.
Accidents and road safety
Despite the increase in accidents, mortality has experienced a significant fall. Throughout the year, 699 accidents were recorded, with an average of almost two incidents daily, but only 5 of them were deadly. This trend contrasts with the 676 accidents with victims of the previous year.
Comparison with previous years
If compared to 2019, the accident rate has grown by 39%, which reflects a worrying increase in the incidence of road accidents. However, the reduction of fatalities in recent years is a positive aspect.
Withholdings in Catalonia: a widespread problem
AP-7 is not the only section that has experienced significant delays. The B-10, with 4,202 hours of delays, and the B-20 with 3,735 hours, are examples of how congestion affects multiple routes. In total, the queues on the AP-7 added 7,860 hours, an increase of 21.5% over the previous year.
The impact of tolls removal
Since raising tolls on the AP-7 in 2021, withholdings have increased every year. The data shows that compared to 2019, withholding hours have doubled, reflecting a significant change in traffic patterns.
Average length of delays
The average length of delays has increased slightly, from 3.28 kilometers in 2019 to 3.49 kilometers by 2024. This increase, despite being modest, indicates that drivers have to face longer queues.
Final reflections on mobility
With an uncertain future for mobility in Catalonia, it is clear that authorities must consider measures to improve the road situation. The tendency to increase withholdings and accidents requires an urgent debate on the solutions possible for more fluid and safe traffic.