Minimum two people per car and one euro per day for driving: the new rules proposed by the DGT

In Spain, and in view of the urban mobility strategy, the General Directorate of Traffic has proposed an important change: promoting a minimum occupancy of two people per car in large cities, such as Madrid, thus drawing inspiration from European HOV lane policies.

However, this new measure is currently under review . This strategy is also accompanied by various proposals that need to be discussed, such as the requirement for one car per household, or the requirement to charge one euro per day for non-resident cars on some Spanish roads , as is the case in the Balearic Islands.

What are the new measures?

In the Balearic Islands, as we've previously mentioned, efforts have already been made to reduce congestion on the island's roads, especially during the high season. In Formentera and Ibiza, they plan to charge one euro per day to non-resident drivers, in addition to imposing time limits and various access controls.

On the other hand, Mallorca will be the next municipality to take a step forward: it intends to implement a measure similar to that imposed in Ibiza or Fuerteventura, with much higher rates, ranging from 35 to 150 euros , depending on vehicle emissions .

Finally, the idea of limiting traffic to one vehicle per household in the Balearic Islands originated with the government itself, not the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic). Why? Well, there is some concern about the large number of daily commutes, and therefore the mission is to reduce this congestion. This plan contemplates that each household may only have one tax-registered vehicle , with certain exceptions for emergencies, people with reduced mobility , and island residents.

What is the DGT's new objective?

Focusing on the aforementioned measure by the Directorate General of Traffic to promote the use of HOV lanes , the agency led by Pere Navarro appears to be studying the correct way to implement sensors or radars to detect the number of people (at least two) traveling in the same vehicle, a method very similar to that used, for example, in France. However, as we emphasized earlier, it is currently in the analysis phase, and the actual date on which it will supposedly begin operating is unknown.