British tourists planning to drive in Spain have been warned to be mindful of the roadside cameras scattered around the stunning country and the costly fines they can lead to.
The nation, which attracts millions of UK nationals every year due to its warm temperatures, stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle, has a network of 2,941 radar cameras.
Most of these devices are fixed point units and aim at catching motorists breaking traffic rules – from speeding to driving without wearing a seat belt, from flouting traffic lights to using a mobile phone while behind the wheel.
One of the most infamous cameras in Spain can be found in the province of Cadiz, part of the southern Andalusia region where millions of Britons flock every year.
Located at kilometre 74.7 of the A-381, just outside the Valdeinfierno tunnel in the Los Barrios municipality, this busy camera accounted for the highest number of traffic sanctions recorded by a similar device in Spain in 2023.
Likely to have caught locals and tourists alike, the camera issued a whopping 79,528 fines – an average of 217 a day, as reported by the Olive Press.
Another very active camera can be found on the Jerez-Los Barrios stretch of the A-381 motorway, once again in Andalusia.
Positioned at kilometre 37.29 of that road, it generated 68,321 fines last year.
Despite the high number of fines issued last year in Andalusia, a tourist area including the sought-after Costa del Sol, the region doesn’t have the highest number of speed cameras when compared to other Spanish areas.
While Andalusia counts 372 cameras, Catalunia tops the charts, with 721 cameras. Castilla y Leon, in northern Spain, counts 333 cameras.
The Basque Country and Madrid have 233 and 232 cameras respectively on their territory, followed by Galicia with 182 and the Valencian Community with 179.
Traffic fines in Spain are calculated on the severity of the offence and can cost up to £514 (€600). Offenders may also see points detracted from their driving licences.
While most drivers may not realise a fine is on its way if they are caught breaking traffic rules by one of the roadside cameras, tickets can also be issued in person by police officers – who have the power to collect fines on the spot.
