Motorway Speed Limit Raised to Over 90mph
The Spanish authorities have introduced the 150kph (93mph) limit on the AP-7 in Catalonia
Spanish authorities have taken a novel approach to traffic management with their latest decision, as they introduce a 150kph (93mph) speed limit on one stretch of road.
The move is thanks in part to Ai, which will also have a hand in controlling the flow of traffic based on a set of predetermined criteria. The system will take into account the weather, traffic flow and volume, and the time of day, and manage the speed of the traffic to suit. And it’s not just a short stretch that is gaining the new variable limit, with Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) rolling it out on 90 miles of the AP-7.
The section, which is normally limited to 120kph (75mph), runs between Maçanet de la Selva and El Vendrell, a distance of around 90 miles. In good weather, and with low traffic volumes, the system will raise the speed limit to help aid the flow. If the weather turns nasty, it will reduce the limit to help maintain safety.
Variable speed limits in the UK are extremely common, although it is thought that the move to adapt the AP-7 in this manner is a first for Spain. The DGT website confirms the move is part of its plan to implement “smart traffic” solutions; let’s hope they learn from the UK and stop short of introducing smart motorways…
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
