With the arrival of new electric scooters we saw how traffic laws had to be modified in cities to adapt to current technology. We saw something similar with drones in airspace, and now also with autonomous cars. Therefore, the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) It has to be constantly evolving to adapt to new trends, and that also means using these technologies to your advantage.
For example, we have seen how they are already using drones to control traffic, radar systems to fine those who exceed the speed limit, surveillance cameras in problem spots to monitor them, and now they are also thinking about using automatic surveillance systems to catch those who skip a stop sign, those who overtake in a continuous line, and other violations.
How does the DGT's automatic surveillance system work?
As you know, many They do not respect yield or stop signs in certain points where there is little traffic or where they believe they are far from the eyes of others. However, this is not correct, since carelessness or taking it as a habit could one day lead to a really serious accident. Therefore, this type of signage must always be respected as specified by the DGT.
To put an end to this, and not have to place an agent at each point where these signs exist on all the roads in Spain, the DGT has thought about using technology to its advantage, installing some surveillance cameras (generally one or two) that record everything that happens at these intersections, and that have been calibrated with a sensor to detect those vehicles that do not stop completely, that is, they do not respect the signal. In this case, an automatic system sends images of the hunted vehicles.
When a violation is detected and images are sent to the Automated Complaints Treatment Center, this serves as evidence to process the relevant sanction file in each case. In addition, they may also do something similar on certain stretches of road where there is a continuous line, to prevent some offenders from crossing it to overtake vehicles when it is prohibited. This could avoid many head-on collisions that happen on these roads due to these recklessness.
The new DGT system is in testing, since it is a new technology that has just been announced, and this phase has to pass to finally implement it officially... But get used to it.
The future
The future of traffic violation control will be significantly influenced by new technologies, the DGT knows this, and that is why it is adapting to new times with the incorporation of new technologies, in addition to regulating based on trends. For example, we can expect some news on the table:
- More smart cameras and traffic management systems: to detect violations that may occur in urban areas and also on roads and highways, as is the case with current radars, cameras for the new automatic surveillance system that I mentioned previously, etc. But little by little they will be more intelligent systems, more difficult to circumvent, and with greater precision. For example, we can expect intelligent traffic management systems, not as dependent on people as those now, and which include sensors, cameras and artificial intelligence algorithms, will allow more effective monitoring and control of vehicle flow. These systems can identify traffic patterns, adaptively manage traffic lights, and provide real-time information to authorities and drivers.
- Communication systems between vehicles (V2V) and with infrastructure (V2I): Communication between vehicles and with the infrastructure will allow more efficient coordination of traffic and the detection of violations in real time. Vehicles will be able to receive alerts about nearby violations and adjust their behavior accordingly. And even of closed roads, traffic accidents, adverse weather conditions, traffic congestion, etc., so that they are more cautious or take alternative routes.
- Mobile applications and online platforms: They allow drivers to pay fines, receive notifications about violations and access information about traffic rules. In the future, these apps may be integrated with navigation systems and connected vehicles to provide real-time information about traffic status and nearby violations.
- Advanced driver assistance systems: With the advancement of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems they can significantly reduce the risk of traffic violations by taking control of driving and ensuring compliance with the rules. These systems can also record and provide evidence in case of violations, or directly send information about the violation to the DGT in real time.
- Aerial surveillance and drones: Aerial surveillance through drones and aerial cameras can provide a panoramic view of roads and enable violation detection in remote or congested areas. Drones are already being used in many places, instead of traffic helicopters. But with the advancement of AI, it is possible to control a fleet or swarm of drones that can do smarter and more intensive work.
Although you shouldn't expect a "Robocop" in every city or road just yet, the truth is that we will see big changes in the years to come...