It features a white diamond on a blue background. The new road sign is designed to minimise traffic jams – at least for some vehicles. That is what the new sign means, which is also due to be introduced soon in the Canary Islands.
The European Union has launched new measures to promote sustainable mobility. The transport sector is said to be one of the biggest contributors to environmental damage. The EU is aiming not only to reduce emissions but also to standardise traffic regulations in order to improve road safety. In this context, Spain could introduce a new traffic sign as early as this year: a white diamond on a blue background.
The new road sign is reserved for ‚high-occupancy vehicles‘. These so-called VAO lanes (Vehículos de Alta Ocupación) may only be used by certain cars:
Cars with multiple occupants will soon have ‚priority‘ in the Canary Islands
Vehicles with at least two occupants will be allowed to use a dedicated lane from the sign onwards. The aim is to encourage car-sharing, ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution.
In France, the symbol is already in use. There, as well as car-sharing vehicles, electric vehicles with a ‚Zero‘ badge, taxis and other authorised modes of transport are permitted to use these lanes. In cities such as Paris and Nîmes, cameras and heat sensors monitor compliance with the rules.
Canary Islands: New road signs for sustainable mobility
The Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, is currently considering the introduction of the new sign as part of its alignment with European regulations. According to the current timetable, the symbol could be incorporated into the Highway Code by the end of 2025.
It remains unclear at this stage whether the symbol is to appear only on signs or whether it is also to be painted on the road surface. The change would primarily affect the existing VAO bus lanes in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. These would need to adapt their signage to the new requirements.
The introduction of the rhombus symbol is part of a wider initiative by the European Union. The aim is to establish a Europe-wide coordinated transport system with standardised road signs, driving licence regulations and penalty systems. According to Brussels, this is intended to harmonise road transport mobility across national borders.
No comments on this article yet.