The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) and Brittany Ferries have been selected by the European Commission as finalists in the prestigious Excellence in Roads Safety Awards 2024. This recognition is the result of a joint campaign carried out by both entities since last year, with the aim of improving the safety of British motorcyclists on Spanish roads.
These awards recognise the best initiatives and best practices in Road Safety carried out within the framework of the European Road Safety Charter. The Charter is part of the 2030 Road Safety Strategy and enables the exchange and dissemination of good practice in a European context, thus contributing to the continuous improvement of road safety in the European Union and beyond.
José Miguel Tolosa, Provincial Head of Traffic in Cantabria, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Road safety is a responsibility that cannot fall to the Administrations alone. The cooperation of civil society is essential. In this regard, the public-private partnership between the DGT and Brittany Ferries is a clear example of shared responsibility, with the ultimate goal of improving road safety.”
For his part, Roberto Castilla, director of Brittany Ferries in Spain, expressed his satisfaction with the nomination: "It is a great honor for Brittany Ferries to be recognized as finalists, together with the General Directorate of Traffic of Cantabria, in the prestigious Excellence Awards of the European Road Safety Charter. This nomination is a testament to the joint commitment we have made to ensuring the safety of motorcyclists travelling between the UK and Spain."
Eugenia Gómez de Diego, delegate of the Government in Cantabria, has congratulated both entities and the members of the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard for the recognition, and has highlighted the importance of this type of preventive action to sensitize and raise awareness among drivers. "The Spanish Government will continue to support all actions that contribute to reducing accidents and protecting lives on the roads," he said.
20,000 British bikers
The DGT initiative arose from the need to raise awareness among British motorcyclists travelling on board Brittany Ferries ships about the risks on conventional Spanish roads. The motorcyclists who embark are given an informative guide that they can read during the journey. This guide includes information on traffic rules in Spain, driving tips and guidelines for action in case of an accident.
Every year, about 20,000 British motorcyclists disembark in Spain through the Brittany Ferries lines, arriving and departing from Santander.
25% of fatal accidents
The DGT, through the Provincial Headquarters, and the Traffic Section of the Civil Guard in Cantabria are carrying out a set of measures aimed at promoting safer road behaviors among motorists and thus reducing accidents.
In the last six years, the number of motorcycles in circulation in Cantabria has increased by 28%. During this period, 19 motorcyclists died and 187 were seriously injured in a total of 1,333 accidents involving motorcycles in the region.
In general terms, although motorcycles represent only 3% of the total traffic in Spain, they are involved in 25% of the fatal accidents registered in the country.