Simon Hunter
A WHOPPING 3.1 million car journeys are expected to be made between 3pm on Wednesday July 31, and midnight on Thursday August 1, as millions of residents of Spain begin their summer holidays.
That’s according to the DGT traffic authority, which is also predicting that there will be a total of 48.3 million car journeys over the whole month.
The high number expected in the next few days is not, however, just due to those going away, but also those who will be returning from their July vacation.
In Spain it is common for people to take the whole of July or August for their summer break.
What’s more, during this time of year many Moroccan nationals drive through Spain headed for the southern port of Algeciras to cross by ferry to their home country, where they will also enjoy a summer break.
According to the DGT, the worst traffic will be seen on the roads tomorrow, Wednesday, between 4pm and 11pm, with delays likely in major cities as well as at popular coastal destinations.
In a bid to ease the congestion, traffic police will be installing extra lanes in areas where high volume of traffic is expected, while the circulation of heavy goods vehicles will also be limited.
The DGT is also recommending that motorists plan their journeys as well as making sure they get enough rest.
It has also warned drivers not to consume any alcohol or narcotics before getting behind the wheel.
The traffic authority also reported that during last week’s puente long weekend (Thursday was a national holiday), there were a total of 21 people killed in 21 road traffic accidents.
These included six motorcyclists, a moped rider, three cyclists and three pedestrians.
