British tourists driving in Spain are being warned about new red road markings being introduced across the country.
The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is rolling out continuous red lines down the centre of roads to emphasise no-overtaking zones in notorious accident blackspots.
The measure aims to improve safety by visually reinforcing the traditional continuous white lines that prohibit overtaking.
The red markings have been designed to capture motorists' attention more effectively and form part of the DGT's broader programme to boost road safety.
The new measure aims to improve safety
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The initiative follows successful experiments in Malaga province, where the red lines have already proven effective.
On the A-355 near Coín, accidents have fallen since the red line was implemented along 42 kilometres of the route.
The pilot project is now underway in various locations throughout Spain.
Selection criteria for where to install the new markings are based on detailed studies of driver behaviour and accident statistics.
The DGT has focused on conventional roads, which according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, experience the highest number of serious accidents.
The Royal Automobile Club of Spain has emphasised that drivers who break overtaking rules face serious penalties, with fines reaching up to €400 (£335).
They may also lose four points from their driving licence.
These penalties apply equally whether drivers cross the traditional white lines or the new red markings.
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The red line initiative is part of a road safety improvement plan
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The red line initiative is part of a broader road safety improvement plan across Spain, which includes the installation of new section radars, reinforced awareness campaigns, and increased police presence on secondary roads.
Each location for the new markings has been carefully selected based on comprehensive data.
The DGT hopes this visual enhancement will reduce dangerous overtaking manoeuvres that frequently lead to serious collisions.
Authorities are monitoring the effectiveness of the scheme as it expands to more regions across the country.
