New speed limits in Spain

New speed limits on all Spanish roads are expected to be in force by the end of the summer, according to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).

According to media reports, certain urban roads will see their limits reduced from the standard 50 kilometres per hour to 30 or even 20.  Speed limits on all secondary roads will be reduce to 90 kilometres per hour, as opposed to 100 most commonly used today.

The move is aimed at cutting the numbers of deaths in towns, especially among pedestrians and cyclists.

Controversially, certain stretches of motorway will increase to 130 kilometres per hour limits, provided they meet specific requirements relating to road and weather conditions.

According to ETSC’s latest Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) report, published last month, Spain has made the second fastest progress in cutting road deaths since the EU’s 2020 target was introduced four years ago. Deaths were decreased by more than 30% between 2010 and 2013. See PIN report