Spain's traffic speed cameras hit by vandalism and record fine revenues

A speed camera on the EI‑600 near Sant Rafel in Ibiza was heavily damaged, with its camera and flash windows smashed and painted over. The device, one of the most active and highest‑fine‑issuing radars in the Balearic Islands, was taken out of service after the vandalism, and authorities suspect a driver previously penalised may be involved.

The Spanish traffic authority (DGT) reported that its speed‑camera network generated a record €246.8 million in fines last year, a 14 % increase over the previous period. A small group of about 50 radars produced roughly half of that revenue, with the top‑earning device located on the A‑7 near La Canyada in Valencia, which issued over 90,000 fines.

The incidents highlight both the financial impact of automated traffic enforcement in Spain and the security challenges faced by the authorities in protecting the equipment.