Pere Navarro, DGT chief, marks 20 years of Spain's points‑based licence system

On July 1, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) celebrated the 20th anniversary of Spain's points‑based driving licence system. Director Pere Navarro said the scheme helped cut annual road deaths from around 4,000–5,000 to below 2,000, and that fatalities have steadied at 1,500‑1,900 since 2013.

Navarro highlighted that further reductions will depend on new vehicle technology and fleet renewal. He pointed to the growing use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – such as lane‑keeping aid, automatic emergency braking and driver drowsiness alerts – which he expects to improve safety as newer cars replace older models.

He also urged a shift of freight from trucks to rail, noting that only 4 % of Spain's goods move by rail compared with a 14 % European average, and that reducing heavy‑truck traffic on highways could lower accident risk.

The interview touched on ongoing efforts to tighten alcohol limits, the challenges posed by mobile‑phone distraction for drivers and pedestrians, and the politicisation of road‑safety measures in the Spanish Congress.