Speed Reduction on AP-7 to Begin in 2027

The Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT), Catalonia's regional traffic authority, is preparing to implement a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h across nearly 200 kilometres of the AP-7 motorway starting in 2027. The move forms part of the SCT's Road Safety Plan 2027–2030, which aims to reduce fatal accidents on Catalan roads by 50% compared to 2019 levels, when 171 people died in 157 recorded incidents. The primary focus is a 150-kilometre stretch between El Vendrell and Maçanet de la Selva, where variable speed limits will allow authorities to lower the cap to 100 km/h during high traffic, adverse weather, or following accidents. This will be combined with a 44-kilometre section between Calafat and L'Ampolla, where the Ministry of Transport is finalising plans for the same limit.

"Change Mentalities": SCT Director's Call

Ramon Lamiel, director of the Servei Català de Trànsit, has stated that the goal is to establish 100 km/h as the habitual speed across much of the AP-7, permitting 120 km/h only when traffic conditions allow. He acknowledged public resistance but stressed that changing driver behaviour is essential to reducing fatalities caused by excessive speed. "Drivers must change their mentality," Lamiel said, noting that while some stretches, such as between Maçanet and La Jonquera and from El Vendrell into Terres de l'Ebre, will retain the ability to reach 120 km/h, the overall aim is safer, more predictable travel.

Drivers must change their mentality.

Enhanced Enforcement and Technology

Alongside speed reductions, the SCT plans to intensify enforcement using existing speed cameras and new technologies. Autonomous drones will be deployed to photograph speeding vehicles from the air for penalty processing. Mobile trailers equipped with high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence will also monitor for mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance. Heavy goods vehicles will face increased scrutiny through automated control points on major routes like the AP-7 and C-33, using camera systems to detect irregularities remotely. The ultimate target, according to the SCT's official road safety strategy, is zero road deaths by 2050. Despite progress, road fatalities have already fallen by 25% since 2019, fatalities on the AP-7 have risen by 33% between January and September 2026, underscoring the urgency of the planned measures.

Sources: La Ciutat, Nació Digital, El Periódico.