DGT Chief Pere Navarro: Speeding Fines Target 'Idiots' Not Revenue 2026

Pere Navarro, director of Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), has sparked controversy by saying that speeding fines are not primarily about revenue but are imposed on drivers who are "tonto" (foolish). The remark came during an interview with El Comercio at the DGT's National Convention of Directors in Asturias.

Navarro's comment has reignited the debate over whether speed cameras are a safety tool or a cash cow. His words were blunt: "Las sanciones no son tanto por el exceso de velocidad, son por tonto" — roughly, "Sanctions aren't so much for speeding, they're for being foolish."

Context: The DGT's Stance on Speed Cameras

The DGT has long faced accusations that its speed cameras are designed to raise money rather than improve road safety. Navarro addressed this head-on, saying the organization deals with such claims with resignation.

He defended cameras as essential: "Speed either causes accidents or makes them worse. And to tackle speed, here and in any country in the world, there are radars." His frustration was evident as he targeted drivers caught by fixed cameras, implying that they should know better.

What Navarro Actually Said

When asked about the revenue accusation, Navarro replied: "We take it with resignation." He then added the controversial phrase about fines being for "tontos." He did not elaborate on what specific behavior he was referring to, but the implication is that drivers who ignore clearly posted speed limits are at fault.

The interview took place at the DGT's National Convention of Directors, an event that gathers traffic officials from across Spain to discuss policy and enforcement strategies.

Why This Matters: The Kangaroo Effect and Camera Effectiveness

Navarro's comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of fixed speed cameras. Critics argue that drivers simply brake before a camera and then speed up again — the so-called "kangaroo effect" — rendering the cameras less effective.

A recent Australian meta-analysis confirmed that fixed, point-specific cameras are less effective than average-speed cameras, which measure speed over a distance. This supports the argument that isolated cameras may not sufficiently deter speeding.

However, Navarro's DGT has not announced any major shift toward average-speed cameras. The focus remains on enforcement and education, with the director emphasizing that speed is a leading factor in accidents.

Public Reaction and Political Sensitivity

Calling drivers "tontos" is unlikely to win Navarro friends among motorists. In Spain, as elsewhere, fines are a sensitive topic, especially during economic hardship. The DGT's revenue from fines is often questioned, though the organization insists it does not profit from them.

Navarro's remark could be seen as a gaffe, but it also reflects a genuine frustration among traffic authorities who feel their safety messages are ignored. The DGT has consistently argued that enforcement is about changing behavior, not filling coffers.

Key Takeaways from Navarro's Remarks

• Fines are for reckless drivers: Navarro suggested that those caught by cameras are at fault for ignoring limits, not victims of a revenue scheme.
• Speed cameras are necessary: He defended radars as a proven tool to reduce speed-related accidents.
• The "kangaroo effect" undermines fixed cameras: Drivers braking at cameras reduce effectiveness, a point raised by critics.
• DGT faces persistent revenue accusations: Navarro acknowledged the criticism but dismissed it with resignation.
• No policy change announced: The DGT has not indicated a shift to average-speed cameras despite evidence of their superiority.

Comparing Speed Camera Types: Effectiveness and Use

Different camera systems have varying impacts on driver behavior. The table below summarizes key characteristics based on available research and DGT practices.

What to Watch Next

Navarro's comments are likely to fuel further debate about the DGT's methods. Watch for any announcement on expanding average-speed cameras or adjusting fine structures. The DGT's next moves will be closely scrutinized by drivers and safety advocates alike.

For now, Navarro's message is clear: speed limits are not suggestions, and those who ignore them should expect penalties. Whether that message resonates or backfires remains to be seen.

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