500,000 journeys for MotoGP: What drivers need to know about the DGT’s operation this weekend

Spain’s traffic authority has released information regarding a special traffic operation in order to ensure road safety as hundreds of thousands of vehicles embark on journeys to Jerez, Andalucia for the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix. The General Directorate of Traffic, or DGT, estimates that some 500,000 trips are expected over the weekend of Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26.

Hundreds of officers and aerial surveillance: A special operation deployed this weekend

The traffic authority has stated that it will deploy special surveillance and assistance over the weekend for the thousands of motorcyclists travelling from across Spain and other European countries for the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit, located in the autonomous community of Andalucia. This Grand Prix weekend will also coincide with the end of the Sevilla April Fair, which will encourage even more travel to the events in the area.

Some 300 officers from the Traffic division of the Guardia Civil, as well as 50 DGT officials and technicians, will be deployed during the operation. Helicopters and drones will also be deployed, surveilling the main roads and reporting dangerous or reckless behaviour. These will conduct night flights to detect violations, including speeding, by recording images.

Checkpoints: Safety gear, speed limits and driving under the influence restrictions to be strictly enforced

In Ciudad Real and Badajoz, and at various locations throughout Andalucia, checkpoints have been set up to focus on helmet and seatbelt use, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal overtaking, and reckless or negligent driving. Some 450 officers from the Traffic division of the Guardia Civil are participating in this operation.

Speed limits will also be enforced by average speed cameras that have been installed on the roads, with compliance being enforced at all hours of the day or night. Additionally, alcohol and drug testing will be increased during the weekend.

Alternative routes to ease the flow of traffic

The plan will also aim to improve traffic flow for vehicles heading to Jerez by recommending alternative routes that allow for less traffic. This will be implemented on the main roads leading from various points in Spain to the Jerez circuit.

There will be a special emphasis placed on the following main roads:

• Mediterranean Axis: Roads A-92, N-340, A-7, A-381 and A-382.
• Central Axis: From Madrid via A-4/N-IV (Andalucia Highway) and AP-4.
• Northwest Axis and Portugal: A-66, N-630 and A-49 roads.

Drivers should strictly comply with rules

The traffic authority has called on both the motorcyclists as well as other drivers to strictly comply with the rules in order to minimise the risk of accidents on the road. It is also recommended to minimise travel by private vehicle and use public transport options as much as possible.

Additionally, the DGT will disseminate messages through their various social networks, including X, Facebook and Instagram, to keep drivers informed and reminding them to comply with the traffic rules to ensure the safety of all drivers. Finally, variable message signs will be put into place in busy areas to reinforce the information spread on social networks.

Jerez to deploy a bus and shuttle service to and from the event

To facilitate access to the event, the Jerez de la Frontera Town Council has set up a bus and shuttle service to and from the racetrack. The departure points for these services are located at the Minotaur roundabout next to the local train station, as well as at the Ifeca Fairgrounds. The journey to the racetrack, for both the bus and the shuttle, is direct.

Details on scheduling and pricing for these public transport services can be found on the DGT’s official website, here.

Motorcyclists: Ride with a helmet and correct gear

The DGT has taken the opportunity to remind drivers that motorcyclists are among some of the most vulnerable drivers on the road. “Traveling by motorcycle carries a risk of injury 20 to 40 times higher than traveling by car,” states the DGT’s official website. Therefore, the DGT reminds motorcyclists to ride with the correct gear, especially a motorcycle helmet.

What drivers should do this weekend, at a glance

• Avoid travel by private vehicle as much as possible by utilising the public transport options.
• Use alternative routes recommended by the DGT to facilitate traffic flow.
• Strictly comply with speed limit restrictions on the main roads when travelling to and from Jerez.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest information through the DGT’s social networks, including X, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Motorcyclists should ride with the correct gear in order to minimise the risk of casualties.