Why green lines are appearing on roads across Spain
The unusual road markings are inspired by similar safety initiatives in Europe
A curious feature has begun drawing attention on roads across Spain: thin green lines painted alongside the white road edges. They may seem new to many drivers, but these markings have actually been in place since 2016, first introduced through an agreement between the Regional Government of Castilla y León and the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT).
Inspired by similar initiatives in Sweden and the Netherlands, these green lines are not decorative. They’re actually designed to create a visual illusion that narrows the road, prompting drivers to instinctively reduce their speed.
This approach is being implemented especially in Accident Concentration Sections – stretches of road where crashes are frequent and often serious.
While standard speed limit signs remain in place, the DGT has added these green lines as a complementary measure to prevent fatal collisions. They aim not just to control speed, but to increase driver awareness in high-risk areas.
The first trials of this strategy took place on regional roads in Castilla y León. Now, the DGT is gradually expanding the use of green lines to other parts of the country. The sections chosen for this treatment are typically no longer than three kilometres and are selected based on accident statistics and traffic volumes.
The idea is to focus efforts where they are needed most to improve road safety.
In addition to the green lines, vertical information signs have been erected on these dangerous stretches to remind drivers that they are in speed control zones. The DGT has also intensified speed controls on these roads by installing speed cameras and increasing the presence of the Guardia Civil and Pegasus helicopters.According to the Spanish traffic authorities, the initiative has caught the attention of other European countries, who are watching the results closely and may replicate the approach on their own road networks.
Some of the roads where green lines have been introduced, including the CL-615 and CL-613, do not have specific crash hotspots. However, their layout, often long and straight with single carriageways, can give drivers a false sense of security.
Despite the lack of curves or intersections, DGT studies show these roads carry a high hazard index. This has made them prime candidates for green line markings. Authorities from both the DGT and the regional government will monitor accident rates to measure the scheme’s success.
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Images: DGT
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