Returning holidaymakers to spark traffic chaos across Spain

THE Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has warned of likely delays in certain hotspots over the next few days as over 6 million vehicles hit the road.

It comes as hordes of Spaniards prepare to return home after the August holidays, leading the authorities to initiate Operation Return from 3pm today (Thursday) until midnight on Sunday.

With around 1.1 million vehicles expected to move in and out of Madrid alone, the DGT has propose a series of alternative routes for drivers wishing to avoid the annual jams in the capital, Barcelona, Murcia and Valencia.

Drug and alcohol checks will also be intensified and many roadworks temporarily suspended, with additional surveillance taking place from the air via eight helicopters equipped with special radar devices.

The DGT also recommend that drivers check their website which details the most dangerous conventional roads – those that do not qualify as dual carriageways or motorways – prior to planning their journey.

A PDF in Spanish of the DGT’s alternative routes can be downloaded here.