The operations coming out of the summer make it necessary to fine-tune the surveillance mechanisms on the roads. Historically, radars, or in more recent times, recording systems that control the use of seat belts or the use of mobile phones while driving, are some of the most widespread. Now, during the current campaign, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is testing two new systems to monitor respect for signaling at intersections and junctions.
Accidents linked to the violation of stop signs and continuous lines have increased in recent years. Both situations are, therefore, risky practices that each time lead to a greater number of injuries and fatalities. The new automatic surveillance systems implemented by the DGT have the mission of reducing these behaviors which, on the other hand, are punished with significant economic sanctions and the loss of points.
The last year with complete statistics, 2021, resulted in almost 1,100 accidents with victims caused by drivers who had skipped a Stop. Faced with this type of accident, which is increasingly common, the DGT is testing a new surveillance system for intersections regulated with this sign. In essence, it is a camera calibrated to detect the total detection of vehicles that permanently records towards the signal. In the case of identifying a driver who has not respected the Stop, the video is sent to the Automated Complaints Treatment Center for the formalization of the corresponding sanction.
This system also tries to catch those drivers who stop as if it were a give way. It should be remembered that this signaling forces you to stop, even if the vehicle in front has already done so, at a point with sufficient visibility before passing the intersection. Skipping a Stop carries a penalty of 200 euros and the withdrawal of 4 points from the card. The objective of the DGT is to implement this system at the most dangerous crossings when the tests are finished.
Fatalities due to side collisions have gone from 41 in 2019 to the 217 that occurred in 2021. This significant increase is due to the lack of respect for the continuous line and the proliferation of multi-lane roads with additions. Not respecting this type of horizontal signage is punishable by a fine of 200 euros, with no withdrawal of points from the card.
To reduce this type of accident, the DGT is testing a combined system of two cameras that photograph vehicle license plates. The first of them points to the acceleration lane, while the second controls the additions to the main road. If the system captures, in a sequence of a few meters, the same vehicle in the joining lane and in the right general lane, before the continuous line has finished, both photographs will be sent to the Automated Complaint Treatment Center as proof that the signaling has not been respected.
