According to the latest data provided by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, around 4.52 trillion long-distance journeys are expected to take place on the roads during the second phase of Christmas 2023.
These moves include not only the initial trip, but also those performed upon arrival at the vacation destination. Popular relaxation destinations include holiday homes, mountainous areas for winter sports enthusiasts, winter and Christmas-themed tourist destinations, and lively shopping areas, SchengenVisainfo.com reports.
According to the ministry, the peak hours for travel congestion, especially for departures from metropolitan centres, will fall from 6pm to 9pm today and from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, December 30th. It is expected that . Additionally, increased traffic is expected from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Monday, January 1st due to people returning from their vacation destinations.
To ensure smooth, orderly and safe traffic flow during these movements, Spanish traffic authorities have implemented various measures, including the creation of reversible complementary lanes using cones and the establishment of alternative routes during peak traffic times. implemented regulatory and planning measures. .
Additionally, road construction projects will be halted and sporting events and other activities that take up road space will be restricted. It also restricts the movement of trucks, especially trucks carrying certain goods, on certain routes, dates and times.
Starting today, the second phase of Operation Christmas 2023 is scheduled to begin at 3pm. This comprehensive initiative will continue until 11:59 pm on Monday, January 1, 2024, with the main objective of ensuring safety on all roads. user.
To carry out all these measures, the DGT has personnel and specialized technicians serving the traffic management center. This includes personnel from the traffic group of the Civil Guard, employees of road maintenance companies under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport, other road owners, and even emergency services personnel such as public health nurses and firefighters.
In keeping with the agency’s Christmas campaign slogan this year: ‘Better late than never’, TRAFFIC urges the public to prioritize responsibility and refrain from actions that can lead to accidents, often with tragic consequences. I’m appealing.
The ministry also revealed that a tragic 18 lives have been recorded in road accidents since the start of the Christmas period on December 22nd. He also noted that this sobering reality underscores the critical importance of personal choices and adherence to safety measures to protect lives on the roads this Christmas season.