Santa Cruz de Tenerife Implements Smart Traffic Light System to Curb Speeding
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has implemented a new camera-based traffic light system on the main road in El Rosario that forces speeding vehicles to stop by turning red, aiming to improve pedestrian safety near a local school.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has introduced a new speed control system on the main road in El Rosario, near the García Escámez school. Designed to improve safety in this busy area, the system focuses on preventing speeding through traffic light management rather than traditional fines.
Provided at no cost by the company Etra, the system uses cameras to monitor vehicle speeds. If a driver exceeds the 50 km/h limit, the traffic light ahead turns red for three seconds, forcing the vehicle to stop. Mobility Councilor Evelyn Alonso explained that this measure addresses long-standing concerns from local residents following a fatal accident in the area. The city opted for this technology instead of speed bumps because the road is a vital route for emergency vehicles and public transport, where raised crossings would be impractical.
This project is part of a broader plan to modernize urban mobility in the city. The council expects to open a new Mobility Control Center on Calle Antequera by late this year or early next year. This center will use real-time data to manage "smart" traffic lights that adjust to traffic flow and prioritize public transport.
While the current system does not issue fines, the city council plans to install a red-light camera at the site soon to further enforce safety. By combining this new deterrent technology with future enforcement, the council aims to ensure drivers stick to the speed limit in this high-risk area.