Strict regulations are in place in Spain for drivers of passenger cars and motorcycles on highways and expressways. The maximum permitted speed on these roads is 120 km/h. Enforcing this rule remains a top priority for the national road safety agency. Drivers are strongly advised to stay fully focused behind the wheel to respond promptly to any changes in road conditions.
In recent days, it was announced that a new project has been launched which could lead to significant changes in traffic management. The agency’s leadership, headed by Pere Navarro, has initiated a pilot program on the AP-7 motorway in the El Vendrell area, Tarragona province. Here, an artificial intelligence-based system is being implemented, allowing for a temporary speed limit increase to 150 km/h under certain conditions.
Currently, the project is in the testing stage. Several criteria must be met to take advantage of the increased speed limit. These include low traffic density, absence of congestion, good road surface condition, and favorable weather. In addition, the software analyzes the driving style. If all parameters meet the requirements, an electronic sign displays a notification allowing speeds of up to 150 km/h on a specific section.
Similar initiatives have already been implemented in several European countries. For example, in the Czech Republic, a 60-kilometer stretch of the D3 motorway between České Budějovice and Tábor allows the same maximum speed. Meanwhile, in France, Italy, and Australia, the limit is set at 130 km/h. In the Netherlands, on the other hand, there are discussions about lowering the maximum speed to 100 km/h on certain roads, although the previous limit is still in place on some routes.
The experiment in Catalonia could serve as a starting point for reconsidering traffic regulations on high-speed roads across the country. If the testing proves successful, this practice may be extended to other regions of Spain.
