Traffic authorities prepare for busy long weekend

THE Spanish DGT General Traffic Authorities have prepared a campaign to guarantee safety for the 4.7 million travellers expected on the roads over the May Day long weekend, which also coincides with the Motorbike GP in Jerez.

Starting at 3pm today, April 30, the campaign runs until midnight on Sunday.

Of the total trips expected, approximately 275,000 will be caused by the Jerez GP, meaning 62 radars, a helicopter and 182 teams of officers will be on the roads carrying out spot checks for alcohol and drugs and checking for speeding.

Thousands of bikers are expected to travel to the city from all over Spain and Europe for the event, many leaving this morning to catch the training sessions held before the race.

THE DGT has taken the opportunity to remind bikers that in the case of an accident they are between 20 and 40 times more likely to suffer injuries than car drivers, meaning they need to take extra care.

Along with speeding, and alcohol and drugs, Guardia Civil and local police officers will be on the lookout for dangerous driving and checking vehicle documents.