Spain's DGT Trialling 150km/h On Section Of AP-7 Catalonia

[Carl]

https://www.autobild.es/noticias/adios- ... to-1452515

Translation:

Goodbye to the 120 km/h speed limit on these Spanish highways. Will the rest follow suit?

Spain has begun testing dynamic speed limits controlled by artificial intelligence, allowing speeds of over 120 km/h. A section of the AP-7 highway has raised the limit to 150 km/h.

The Traffic Department is prepared to do anything to improve road safety. One of the main measures they've taken for years is speed limits , but now they've taken the opposite approach. Some highways will exceed the 120 km/h limit.

Catalonia has been a pioneer in this DGT measure . Drivers traveling on the AP-7 will find a section near El Vendrell where speeds are limited to 150 km/h; they won't be fined if they exceed 120 km/h.

This innovative concept aims to adjust the maximum permitted speed according to various needs, including weather conditions, traffic, time of day, and even road conditions.

Speed ​​controlled by artificial intelligence

Spain has followed the example of other European Union countries and has begun testing what are known as dynamic speed limits. The EU claims that this new system will reduce the number of accidents, minimize CO2 emissions , and optimize fuel consumption.

Speed ​​limits are adjusted in real time using an AI calculation. This offers enormous freedom compared to the traditional static speed system, where the limit remained constant along a stretch of road regardless of conditions.

The dynamic speed limit adjusts in real time based on road conditions. This system not only improves road safety in situations such as adverse weather conditions, but also helps prevent traffic jams during rush hour.

Catalonia is testing dynamic speed limits

Catalonia is the first region to introduce AI-powered dynamic speed limits. Artificial intelligence will consider all kinds of variables, including visibility and possible roadworks , to adjust the maximum speed limit.

When conditions warrant, AI will automatically reduce the permitted speed. Road safety has undergone a complete U-turn, but so has the way we navigate the roads. Traffic flow can now be monitored in real time to avoid traffic jams.

This measure is not unique to Catalonia; Spain has been inspired by other EU countries such as Germany and France . The AI ​​​​adjusts the maximum speed based on traffic, near high-risk areas such as roads with dangerous curves, or on stretches where weather conditions change rapidly.

[Lincoln45]

Will anybody notice the difference

[Carl]

Will anybody notice the difference

It will just become the norm for some flying along at 150km/h, whilst others will probably stick to the 120km/h that the are use to and feel safe with.

There was a TV discussion in the UK the other week about raising the motorway limit to 80mph, and someone pointed out you raise the limit to 80mph and people will then nudge 85mph. It will be the same with the 150km/h, people will start heading up to 160km/h.

[Lincoln45]

The reason they nudge above the speed limit is because the speedometers are not accurate, and by law they have to under read.

My Ford, when its showing 55 mph is only doing 50 mph (checked by radar).

[Carl]

The reason they nudge above the speed limit is because the speedometers are not accurate, and by law they have to under read.

My Ford, when its showing 55 mph is only doing 50 mph (checked by radar).

I think you probably meant to say over read.

Funny you raised this point, I only learnt of it during the TV discussion on raising the speed limit to 80mph in the UK.

[Lincoln45]

The reason they nudge above the speed limit is because the speedometers are not accurate, and by law they have to under read.

My Ford, when its showing 55 mph is only doing 50 mph (checked by radar).

I think you probably meant to say over read.

Funny you raised this point, I only learnt of it during the TV discussion on raising the speed limit to 80mph in the UK.

Correct should be over read, I was trying to sort out my BA flight at the same time when doing the post