Outbound Traffic Peaks Ahead of La Mercè
Traffic authorities in Catalonia expect around 580,000 vehicles to leave Barcelona over the coming days as residents travel for the annual La Mercè festival. The surge in road traffic begins today, with peak volumes anticipated between Wednesday and Friday. To manage congestion and improve safety on major routes, a ban on heavy goods vehicles on the AP-7 motorway will be in effect from 15:00 Wednesday until 24:00 Friday. The restriction covers the stretch from the city's ring road to the French border.
Enhanced Road Policing Measures
The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, will deploy 1,993 officers across the road network during the operation. Officers will carry out 1,200 random checks for alcohol and driver distraction, focusing on high-risk corridors and holiday departure routes. Ramon Lamiel, director of the Service of Traffic Management (SCT), urged drivers to plan journeys outside peak hours and use real-time traffic apps to avoid delays. He also reminded motorists that fines for mobile phone use while driving have been strictly enforced since the start of the year.
We want people to enjoy the festivities safely, both on the roads and in the city itself, said Francesc Parra, intendant of the Mossos d'Esquadra.
This is one of the busiest holiday periods on the roads, and our priority is preventing serious accidents, Parra added.
Advice for Drivers
- Leave outside 15:00–21:00 to avoid worst congestion
- Check DGT and Mossos traffic apps for live updates
- Heavy goods vehicle drivers should plan alternative routes or times
- Rest stops advised every two hours on long journeys
The restrictions and policing operation will remain in place until Sunday, when traffic returns to normal levels.
Reported by Europa Press Barcelona.
