It’s probably a global trend, but every year it seems that there are more reckless and irritating drivers who ignore speed limits. Portuguese drivers come across to me as kinder, more patient and more considerate than what I experienced in Ontario. In Ireland, “traffic calming” areas seem to do the trick to curb speeding (along with “camera tickets”), but I think Portugal has a more brilliant solution to control speeding. (Prince Edward County in Ontario, Canada take note!)
The general speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. The major highway road (#125) runs west to east in the Algarve, and goes through many towns and little communities. Sometimes there are good flat areas where you can pass a slower driver, but for the most part, speeding is not a problem. Nor is it heavily policed by the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR).
It works because highway sections are monitored by Velocidade Controlada (speed control). The Portuguese authorities use various speed control devices to monitor and enforce road speed limits, including fixed-speed cameras, mobile speed cameras, and average-speed cameras. As you are driving, you might come across a Velocidade Controlada warning sign that posts the speed limit. These signs are often located in a surprising (in the middle of no where!), non pedestrian location – away from a town, or on the outskirts of a small cluster of buildings that form a village. At the sign, the aforementioned device measures your speed. Then next, and not too far away, is a traffic light. If you are driving over the speed limit, as you approach the light, it turns red, and traffic of course has to stop. (A sure and shameful way to piss off cars behind you.) If it stays green you are following the rules, and can continue on your merry way.
I read that these lights are not too expensive because they are not located at busy intersections which would require more technology and programming. Fines are relatively steep in Portugal and have to be paid within 15 days – and repeat offenders can see their license suspended for a period of time. The Velocidade Controlada regulates speeding in a gentle, humane way while saving drivers costly tickets. A brilliant, low cost solution that works!
