La The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has launched a new targeted inspection campaign for vans.And what's most interesting is that it will take place during Black Friday week, one of the busiest times of the year for purchases and deliveries. The initiative coincides with a period when e-commerce surges in shipments to homes and businesses, multiplying the number of these vehicles on the roads.
In this context, Parcel delivery companies estimate that they can move up to 4,3 million parcels per day.The vast majority of these goods are transported in delivery vans. This increase in traffic, coupled with the high accident rate associated with this type of vehicle, has led the Traffic Authority to reinforce controls with a large-scale operation across the country. Stay tuned for everything this new van enforcement campaign will reveal. The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to raise revenue…
Campaign dates and deployment on the roads…
The campaign runs from November 24th to 30thWith checkpoints deployed throughout Spain and the participation of the Civil Guard's Traffic Group alongside numerous local police forces, the operation involves checkpoints on all types of roads. special attention to conventional roads, where the most serious accidents involving vans are concentrated.
The operation also reinforces surveillance in commercial areas, industrial parks and loading zonesThese areas were particularly busy during Black Friday. Furthermore, regions like Galicia have announced specific deployments in coordination with the Civil Guard, extending controls to logistical access points and secondary roads to increase their effectiveness.
What will be checked in the vans…
Officers will check speeds, specific limits, and the suitability of driving to road conditions.They will also check all vehicle and driver documentation, including registration certificate, mandatory insurance, transport authorizations and the validity of the driving license, aspects that in previous campaigns generated a significant volume of sanctions.
One of the focuses will be the vehicle inspection (ITV).Many previous complaints stemmed from expired inspections or serious defects in tires, brakes, or lighting. Furthermore, The load will be controlled —weight, distribution and securing— Alcohol and drug tests will be carried out, given that positive results have been detected among professional drivers in previous campaigns.
Accident rates: a growing problem…
Although vans represent 7,6% of the vehicle fleet, their involvement in accidents with injuries is high. In the last year for which data is available, they were involved in 9.548 accidents, with 223 deaths and more than two hundred hospitalizedThese figures reflect a disproportionate impact relative to their total presence on the road.
The most worrying thing is the nearly 71% increase in deathsDespite the fact that the total number of accidents barely changed, regions like Galicia are also seeing similar increases, and recent campaigns reflect numerous complaints about excessive speed, technical defects, incorrect loading, or failure to use seat belts.
Checkpoints in cities and collaboration between local police forces…
The DGT considers the role of local councils essential.Since a large part of the deliveries take place in urban areas, many local police forces conduct their own checks, reviewing documentation, vehicle condition, and driver behavior in delivery zones.
Examples such as Elda and Jaén show representative results. Penalties for expired vehicle inspection, expired permits, lack of insurance and positive drug testsThe local councils emphasize that the objective is preventative, seeking to reduce victims through the early detection of common irregularities in urban distribution.
Why driving a van is not like driving a car…
Although they share a type of permit, Vans have particular characteristics in terms of visibility, height, and weight. which all affect their driving. Blind spots are larger and make maneuvering difficult in the city or on highways, especially when changing lanes or driving near pedestrians and cyclists.
Furthermore, their speed limits are usually lower, and their higher center of gravity makes them more susceptible to crosswinds and sudden maneuvers. In addition, if the load is poorly distributed or exceeds the maximum authorized mass, the risk of rollover increases, and the braking distance lengthens. Worn tires are also common, compromising stability.
A comprehensive strategy: Operational Surveillance and Control Plan…
This campaign is part of a broader DGT strategy Focused on improving the safety of light transport, a working group has been created to analyze mobility, accident rates, communication, and prevention in order to develop coordinated measures with the Civil Guard and local authorities.
The Operational Surveillance and Control Plan includes periodic campaigns and training activities These measures are designed to reduce risk factors such as speeding, alcohol and drug use, improper cargo securing, distractions, and technical failures. In a context of booming e-commerce, the objective is to strengthen maintenance, training, and responsible driving practices in a key sector.
Source – Directorate General of Traffic (DGT)
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