More than 130,000 vehicles circulate through it daily, which will have to adapt their pace to the new maximums that will not take long to become effective. With the aim of reducing the accident rate, traffic congestion and to improve the quality of service, the AP-7 changes its speed limits: you will no longer be able to circulate along it at 120 km/h.
The Catalan Transit Service (SCT) points out that the AP-7 is a transcendental axis for mobility in Catalonia. Reason why there is a need to act to improve the safety and functionality of the road. Since the tolls were released, mobility has increased by 40% and traffic jams, generated as a result of the accidents that occur in it, have increased by 98%. So far in 2022, it accumulates 45 seriously injured and 23 fatalities: 17% of the 135 people who have lost their lives on Catalan roads.
In addition to the general measures that will be carried out in the infrastructures, there are other more immediate, low-cost and quick-implementation measures: these actions will be carried out at certain points based on the type of traffic recorded there. The STC and the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA) consider that the most agile way to solve the problem is to establish stricter speed limits.
Three sections with new speed limits
The bar will be lowered in four areas of the motorway (Girona, Vallès and Tierras del Ebro) that cover a total of 82 kilometers: when the change is implemented, vehicles will have to travel at a maximum speed of 80-100 km/h. In others, the 120 km/h will be maintained, but new radars so that drivers respect the norm.
Girona: Fornells de la Selva-Cervià de Ter
In this section, between kilometer points 66-47, there are four lanes. The room will be dedicated exclusively to entrances and exits, between Girona South and Girona North. A zone where speed will be limited to 80 km/h to order traffic and reduce collisions.
Valles: Mollet-Papiol
Between kilometer points 132-161 speed will be reduced to 100 km/h for all vehicles; In addition, a variable speed system controlled by the SCT will be installed. The same body, together with the Traffic Division of the Mossos d’Esquadra, will establish a series of speed controls and infractions with aerial means.
Lands of the Ebro: Calafat-L’Ampolla
A 100km/h all vehicles that carry out the route that runs between kilometer points 288-313 will have to circulate. Secondly, The specific limitations for heavy vehicles will be maintained: trucks may not exceed 80 km/h and may not overtake either.
Tarragona: Altafulla-Constantí
Between kilometer points 238-247 the maximum speed of 120 km/h will be maintained, but the SCT will install a new section radar in a southerly direction to eliminate the recorded speeding, especially in this area since it is a straight section with a steep slope. Until this kinemometer is operational, speed controls will be intensified by the Mossos d’Esquadra.
This measure will be the one that will take the longest to activate due to the necessary infrastructure, but, according to the Servei Català de Trànsit, the rest of the measures will be applied in a matter of weeks since the only thing they need is the installation of the corresponding traffic signs as well as painting the new limitations on the asphalt.
