The traffic light rules at pedestrian crossings are set to change in Spain. Here’s what you really think about the new law, plus your views on driving in here in general.
Recently, we reported that from October 1st of this year, there would be a major change to the way traffic lights in Spain work for both drivers and pedestrians.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) will be making a modification to the General Traffic Regulations with regards to amber flashing lights, which currently indicate that vehicles can go if there are no pedestrians trying to cross at the same time.
READ ALSO: How traffic lights will change in Spain in October
From October, however, this will cease to exist. When a green man shows for pedestrians, an amber flashing light will not be able to appear at the same time. This means less confusion for both drivers and pedestrians and will hopefully translate into fewer accidents at these crossings.
The new regulations state: “As a general rule, at pedestrian crossings with traffic lights reserved for pedestrians, the flashing amber light for vehicles cannot coincide with the non-flashing green light for pedestrians and must be preceded by the non-flashing red light”.
The news generated a lot of comments and discussion on our social media pages, with readers happy about the news, but also a lot of posts about road rules and pedestrian behaviours in Spain in general.
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Readers generally had a positive response to the rule change.
“It makes good sense” one reader wrote. “I agree” added another.
A third wrote “So, no flashing amber… Much better idea than the ridiculous system before”.
One reader wasn’t even aware of the rule at all: “How was that ever a thing in the first place?”.
If some drivers or pedestrians aren’t even aware of this, that’s a clear sign things need to change because then they’re not looking out for this particular situation.
In addition to comments on the new change, however, most comments were on the grievances people had with the way in which people use the roads here.
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The most common complaints were about cyclists and roundabouts.
When it comes to cyclists and scooters, many were angry that they don’t seem to obey the road rules.
“Cyclists ignore all signs and lights,” wrote one.
“Cyclists and scooter users don’t stop at zebra crossings and go on pavement at lights… it’s a wonder there are not more accidents. Please be safe and obey laws,” another added.
“Very few drivers of scooters and bikes use indicators or other signals to turn, is it not the law?” one questioned.
Roundabouts were another clear pet hate for drivers in Spain.
“Until roundabout regulation is changed, I’ll not take any Spanish new traffic regulation seriously,” a reader wrote on our Facebook page.
“Can they get rid of ridiculous pedestrian crossings on roundabouts whilst they are at it?” another wrote. “Stopping on a roundabout because someone wants to cross is just crazy. Cars nearly end up crashing into the back of you”.
“Roundabouts in Spain are lethal…Please take precautions,” a third wrote.
Forget traffic lights, the usage of roundabouts here is hope and pray,” another added.
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Indicators or lack thereof was another issue for many drivers here.
“Why don’t drivers use indicators in Spain?” was asked by a few people.
“Very few drivers in Spain use indicators or other signals to turn left and right,” agreed another.
One person with a sense of humour explained: “The reason indicators are not used is because they are being saved for fiesta days”.
Other readers added some other complaints such as drivers parking on the corners of road junctions which block views and able-bodied people parking in disabled spaces.
Others even provided their own suggestions. One wrote: “They need to introduce zigzag no parking zones either side of pedestrian crossings. It’s inexpensive way to prevent many accidents”.
While there seems to be a way to go before everyone agrees with and is happy with the road rules and road usage in Spain, it seems like the majority are in favour of the new DGT legislation coming into force this October.
