1926. The National Circuit Special Firm

Addressing the reform of the entire road network in the twenties was as essential as unthinkable. Therefore, the claims of improvement were reduced to a handful of major roads. A Royal Decree of 1926 establishes the creation of a National Circuit Special Firm bringing together the roads involving major routes, ie, those that are the link populations of greater importance and circuits of artistic and historical value. The Royal Decree also requires the provincial and local councils to assist in the maintenance. Among others, the measures proposed are: the use of new firm, the removal of level crossings and improved crossings, curves and slopes.

The National Circuit Special Firm was the project that allowed radically change the state of our roads. So much so that experts visiting our country were pleasantly surprised. Charles L. Freeston says in his book The Roads of Spain: "It is fair to say that strict Spain has taken a giant step in the preparation of its roads and with such energy have carried out the work, and with so good sense that Spanish roads actually can be considered as the best in the world. "

Exaggerated or not the praise, the truth was that improvements were visible. On the one hand, they were eliminated dangerous curves, and secondly, were banked their outer edges to counteract the centrifugal force. And this itself was a novelty for our British neighbors, and Europeans in general, as this technique has only been applied so far in the race track. The speed that could be achieved with tourism was already 65 km per hour.

limited speed

With the improvement of the roads, and the evolution of the car, increasingly fast and resistant, another problem appears, excess speed, and its consequence: the first restrictions. The Traffic Regulations of 1926 do not establish a specific limit for automobiles and motorcycles, but rather oblige their drivers to "slow down and, if necessary, to stop when approaching draft and saddle animals that show signs of fright," as well as how many times it is convenient for the safety of people and things located on the roads through which they circulate ". However, limits are established for buses and trucks: between 35 and 40 km / h for the former and between 30 and 35 for trucks.