The Portuguese government will install 12 new average-speed radars across the country’s road network, the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) announced today. Additionally, a comprehensive proposal for a new Highway Code (Código da Estrada) is scheduled to be delivered to the executive branch in September.
The announcement was made by the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Rui Rocha, at the conclusion of the presentation for the road safety campaign “This Summer You Choose How to Arrive… Choose to Arrive Safely!”—an initiative organized by the Blessing of the Helmets Association (ABC) targeting motorcycle safety.
Rocha clarified that a public tender is currently being finalized for the procurement and installation of the 12 average-speed cameras.
The new Highway Code, developed by a government-appointed multidisciplinary team, is part of a broader package of road safety measures introduced in April, which also includes the revival of the GNR’s specialized Traffic Brigade nearly two decades after it was disbanded.
Read more: Portugal: complaints against PSP and GNR conduct increased by 60%
The Ministry is also driving institutional changes to modernize enforcement and tracking:
-
Digital Transformation: By late August or early September, the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR) will deploy an interoperability system to improve data sharing, training, and enforcement coordination among security forces.
-
Casualty Reduction Targets: The National Road Safety Strategy (ENSR)—currently under public consultation until July 18—aims to slash road fatalities in Portugal by 50% by the year 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Rocha emphasized that revitalizing this strategy is a vital step forward.
The urgency behind the measures was highlighted by Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves, who revealed that Portugal recorded 250 road fatalities between January 1 and July 6, representing an increase of 33 deaths compared to the same period last year. Neves stressed the absolute necessity of fostering a national culture of safety and mutual respect on the roads.
Read more: Portugal: Easter road operation records 2,300 accidents and 638 DUI’s (with video)
The newly unveiled summer awareness campaign is heavily focused on riders of all experience levels—spanning mopeds, scooters, large-displacement motorcycles, young drivers, and professional delivery couriers.
During the event, an institutional protocol was also signed between the ABC, GNR, PSP, ANSR, the Sanctuary of Fátima, and the Municipality of Ourém to organize the upcoming 11th Pilgrimage for the Blessing of the Helmets, which will take place in Fátima this September.
