The Tarragona Urban Guard sanctioned 21 drivers for distractions at the wheel during a road safety campaign conducted in the city between 6 and 12 April. This initiative aimed to reduce accidents and enhance pedestrian protection in Tarragona.
During the intensive week of controls, officers identified 11 infringements for failing to respect traffic lights, a dangerous behaviour that, according to the Urban Guard, significantly endangers both pedestrians and other road users. Additionally, 10 fines were issued for driving while using a mobile phone or other devices requiring manual intervention. Officials highlighted that such distractions are among the primary causes of traffic accidents in urban areas, underscoring the importance of focused driving.
The campaign's specific objective was to minimise distractions, particularly those stemming from the use of mobile phones, in-car screens, or headphones, and to ensure strict adherence to traffic light signals. These targeted actions are an integral part of regular efforts by the Tarragona Urban Guard to bolster road safety and decrease accident rates within the city, aiming to create a safer environment for all residents and visitors.
Beyond the primary focus on distractions, the Urban Guard uncovered a range of other serious infringements during the same period. Nine individuals were penalised for driving with an invalid foreign permit or without the necessary authorisation, highlighting issues with legal driving status. A further seven drivers were sanctioned for never having obtained a driving licence, representing a significant risk to public safety, while one person was caught driving with a licence that had been judicially withdrawn by court order.
Vehicle maintenance and compliance were also under scrutiny, revealing further areas of concern. Twenty-one drivers received fines for not having a valid ITV (technical vehicle inspection) certificate, which ensures vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. Seven drivers were penalised for lacking mandatory insurance, a legal requirement designed to protect all parties in the event of an accident. Additionally, five individuals were fined for failing to wear a seatbelt, a fundamental safety measure. These various violations collectively contribute to increased risks on the roads, officials noted, impacting overall road safety.
Enforcement for Personal Mobility Vehicles
Regarding Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMPs), which are increasingly common in urban environments, the campaign also identified several breaches of regulations. Ten sanctions were imposed on VMP users for not wearing a helmet, a key safety requirement for these vehicles. Another individual received a fine for using a helmet that was not approved, indicating a need for correct safety gear. Furthermore, a minor was fined for operating this type of vehicle, underscoring rules against underage driving of VMPs and the importance of parental supervision.
The Tarragona Urban Guard regularly conducts such comprehensive campaigns as part of its ongoing commitment to road safety and public protection. Future initiatives are expected to continue targeting key areas of concern, including driver distractions, compliance with vehicle regulations, and safe VMP usage. These sustained efforts aim to further reduce accident rates and protect all road users in the city, ensuring a more secure urban environment.
