The elders do not walk hunched over and other signs that the DGT wants to update | Spain

To renew the catalog of traffic signals does not seem easy, in view of the time that has elapsed since the previous one was approved, in the 2003 circulation regulations, and the processing of the current one, which is already delayed more than two and a half years. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) He has put his efforts to incorporate new signs, but some have encountered serious difficulties, such as three danger, which have had to be modified to not lift suspicion in today’s society. The new regulations are now in the penultimate phase, pending the State Council report, after which it will pass to the Council of Ministers and receive the approval.

The proposal for modification of the signals has been joint between the DGT, dependent on the Ministry of Interior, and the General Directorate of Roads, agency of the Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility. It is intended to eliminate the signals that are in disuse and incorporate new ones, such as those dedicated to personal mobility vehicles (VMP, among which are the scooters).

The approval process includes a public consultation period, in which in addition to citizens and Motorist groups, motorists And cyclists also participated other ministries, such as equality and industry. Among the novelties, some attract more attention.

Trains no longer smoke. One of the old signals (the level passage without barriers in a red triangle) consisted of a locomotive view of the side throwing smoke. Modern trains are mostly electric, so you have to update. Now a machine will also be seen, but a smokeless. Another sign that is updated is also that of trams with a visible pantograph.

The girl takes the boy. The danger signal proposal for the presence of children has also undergone modifications. The current one included that the child took the girl, but the allegations have motivated the papers. To identify the teenager, it has been equipped with a ponytail, skirt and a larger wallet. In addition, it is taller than the child and goes ahead of him.

The elders are not hunched. Initially the signal consisted of a very hunched older, but perhaps with too much angle. As explained by the Deputy Director of Circulation of the DGT, Ana Blanco, we had to fight against age, but The vulnerability of the elderly had to be perceived. Therefore, « a more neutral pictogram has remained, » according to the head of the DGT. Now an elderly couple with some curvature and a cane are seen. « The signs have to be understandable and self -explanate so that they are understood to the first, » adds Blanco.

Animals also gain space. The presence of wild boars on the roads and often growing in the vicinity of populations and urbanizations have motivated this mammal to also be represented in the new DGT catalog. It is characterized by its corpulence and having even a white fang.

The entrance to the populations has more messages. To date, the entry into a town was marked with its name in capital letters. And at the exit it was repeated, but with a red band that crossed it. Now the information to the drivers will be expanded with a superior subcartel, adding the maximum permitted speed on their ways or in certain sections. In addition, drivers must adapt their speed to the presence of pedestrians, cyclists, elders or other vulnerable people. “We have received many proposals from the municipalities, since The big changes in circulation have been given in the urban field, as low emissions areas. Those in Barcelona, ​​Logroño, Madrid or Zaragoza, among others, ”highlights the deputy deputy director.

VMP and different environmental ones. One of the phenomena that did not exist when the previous catalog was approved was that of VMP, which have proliferated in recent years, especially in cities. They are represented with a scooter to which a large cable and plug has been added. Nor were the environmental badges, whose label is mandatory to look on the windshield. Now the signals that regulate the entry of the vehicles are incorporated based on how to contaminate. « Some of the new signs that collect the catalog are already using for a long time. Now what we do is incorporate them and regulate their use, » recalls the head of traffic. A joint detail to all new plates is that they increase their size to be more visible by drivers and pedestrians. They end those signals of ridiculous dimensions installed in some municipalities. There is also a new signal for polluting vehicles and for reduced visibility.

Clear speed limits for visitors. When a driver between the border is going to run into a clear message. A large square sign with more than two meters side and with blue background will inform you of the speed limits in force in Spain. Next to a profile with houses, a 50 kilometers per hour is placed. Below, a conventional road – a lane in the direction – with another of 90. And, finally, a 120 for highways and highways. « They will be placed on the border crossings so that a person who visits us or is passing at what speed should go, » says Blanco.

In the speed chapter, a yellow signal is also incorporated with a helicopter and a drone that binds to radar. Will notify the presence of aerial media endowed with cinemometers in the area and that They will be used to process the corresponding complaint to those who do not meet the limits.

News also in the lanes. News also include some income in the lanes. The multicarril road signal indicates a section of track where special rules are applied on that road. The 2+1 road is also added, consisting of three traffic lanes and allows the circulation in both directions. The central lane is intended to facilitate advancement and reserves alternatively to both sense of circulation. In road brands, motorists also benefit. They are indicated on the road the safest area to draw a curve and thus avoid the invasion of the opposite direction, with the consequent risk for the rest of the users.