The GNR will be out and about on, and at the side of, Portugal’s major routes from Friday December 22nd until the 26th.
Due to high seasonal traffic flow, with people visiting relatives and friends - and those simply getting away for a few days - the GNR will be on hand to ensure everything goes smoothly.
When things don’t go smoothly, 6,500 members of the GNR’s National Traffic Unit and regional Commands will be on hand each day. The remit is to prevent road accidents, ensure traffic flow and support all road users while fining those that fail to come up to scratch.
The units will be on the lookout for anyone overindulging in festive spirits or drugs, those speeding and anyone failing to buckle up failing to ensure that children have the correct child seats.
The GNR will be especially concerned with any risky behaviour such as drivers using a mobile phone while at the wheel. Warning is duly given to those with incorrectly packed luggage and to drivers failing to observe the correct safety distance between vehicles.
Those driving through France to Portugal for family holidays also may rely on the ministrations of the gendarmerie nationale as officers attempt to ensure a smooth flow of through traffic.
The cooperation between French and Portuguese police forces between December 20th and 23rd and over the New Year is a new feature of the annual safety campaign with French police determined to support Portuguese expatriates speeding to their destinations.
The French police will concentrate on checking vehicles at autoroute access areas while GNR stationed at the Spanish-Portuguese border points will be on hand with a smile and a cheery wave.
