According to data from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, over 4,520,000 long-distance trips are expected to take place on the roads during the second part of the year-end vacation.

These journeys include the initial trip as well as any additional travel made after arriving at vacation spots. Second homes, mountain places for lovers of winter sports, winter and Christmas-themed tourist attractions, and busy commercial districts are among the most sought-after locations.

Peak traffic congestion is expected, according to the Ministry, to occur tonight between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 30, between 10:00 and 1:00 p.m., especially for departures from large urban centers. On Monday, January 1, more traffic is anticipated between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. as people make their way back from their vacation spots.

Various planning and regulatory measures have been put in place by Spanish traffic authorities to guarantee a safe, orderly, and smooth traffic flow during these movements. These include setting up other routes and utilizing cones to create reversible and complimentary lanes during high traffic hours. There will be a pause to road development projects and restrictions on the scheduling of sporting events and other events that take up road space. Certain areas, dates, and times will have truck travel restrictions, particularly for those carrying particular items.

The main objective of the Christmas 2023 operation’s second phase is to guarantee everyone’s safety on the roads. It is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. today and last until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024.

In keeping with this year’s agency Christmas campaign theme, “Better late than never,” Traffic strongly advises the public to prioritize taking responsibility and abstain from acts that could result in fatal accidents.

Furthermore, the Ministry disclosed a somber tally of 18 fatalities from traffic accidents since the Christmas season began on December 22. This sobering truth highlights the crucial necessity of individual choices and adherence to safety measures to protect lives on the road during this festive season.