The departure operation of 15 August begins with 5.6 million planned journeys

The Spanish Directorate-General of Traffic (DGT) has launched Operation Exit on Friday, August 14, with plans for approximately 5.6 million vehicle movements over the three-day period leading up to and following the national holiday on August 15. The operation will run until midnight on Sunday, August 16, during which time traffic authorities anticipate a surge in both long-distance and short-distance travel across all roads nationwide. This weekend's traffic pattern includes the usual movement associated with the change of the fortnight, combined with additional travel to coastal areas, second homes, and towns celebrating local festivals. As is common during this time, the increased activity will result in heavy congestion, particularly in the late afternoon on Friday, when traffic begins to build up around major cities and along key routes leading to tourist destinations and seaside resorts. Saturday’s traffic will remain intense throughout the morning, especially on routes connecting inland communities to coastal regions and second residences, alongside the typical short trips to beaches and festivities honoring the Virgin of August. On Sunday, traffic conditions will continue to be challenging in the early morning hours, affecting both short-distance routes within coastal towns and access to beach areas. By the late afternoon, from 6 PM to 11 PM, the return journey will begin, potentially causing delays on main highways as large numbers of drivers head back home after their holidays. The DGT has highlighted that this operation follows a tragic weekend on the roads, during which 19 fatalities were recorded due to road accidents. In response, officials have urged drivers to take extra precautions, emphasizing the importance of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They have reiterated the need for constant vigilance, regardless of whether the trip is daytime or nighttime, and have reminded drivers to wear seat belts, adhere to speed limits, and respect road signs. To manage the high volume of traffic and ensure safety, the DGT has implemented special measures including traffic regulation, organization, and monitoring. This involves deploying agents from the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard, staff from eight Traffic Management Centers, and personnel responsible for equipment maintenance and installation of road measures. Emergency services personnel are also part of the effort. In terms of resources, the DGT has allocated fixed and mobile speed radars, cameras, and undercover vehicles to monitor phone usage and seat belt compliance. Helicopters and drones are being used for aerial surveillance, while unmarked cars will patrol various types of roads to check driver behavior. To ease congestion in the busiest areas, reversible lanes and additional lanes with cones will be set up during peak times, and alternative routes will be established. These efforts aim to facilitate smoother traffic flow in the most congested zones, ensuring that the large number of travelers can move safely and efficiently during the holiday period.