The new ‘average speed’ radar system installed in the tunnel on the AP-7 near Torrox, one of only two of this type in Spain, has caught 597 vehicles driving in excess of the 100 kph limit during the period March 1st to March 22nd and the DGT will be issuing fines of up to €600 to the drivers.
The number of drivers caught speeding is lower than during the February probationary period when 1,142 infringements were detected. During this probationary period, drivers received a letter informing them of the fine they would normally receive although no actual fine was levied.
That has now changed and it looks like it could be a good revenue earner for the authorities.
The system works by recording vehicles entering and exiting the tunnel and then calculating the average speed of that vehicle. If this is over 100 kph then the driver is liable for a fine of up to €600 and the loss of six licence points.
The other similar speed trap is located on the AP-6 in Guadarrama, Madrid, and came into operation on February 1st 2011.
Adrian Wilkinson says:
You are absolutely right when you talk about it being a revenue earner. This size of fine is totally disproportionate to the offence. In the UK the fine would be in the region of £100, and 2 points, and in other parts of Europe it would be about the same.
Such high levels of fines & points, mean that people are becoming frightened to drive, or drive too slowly, through fear, and that is just as dangerous!
Presumably, we can look forward to being fined for driving too slowly, or perhaps even for breathing.
The Captain says:
Don’t give them any more ideas for fines!! Definitely a cash cow, though, and very little to do with actual road safety in most cases.