Operacion Puente de Salida starts today as families take off ahead of the bank holidays marking the Constitution and Immaculate Conception days on Wednesday 6th and Friday 8th December.

Nearly 8 million long distance road journeys are expected as families head to villages and second homes across the country. The figure is over 17% more than the corresponding period last year.

Over a quarter of all traffic movements in the country are expected in the Madrid and central Spain region.

In preparation, Spain´s DGT ( traffic directorate) has mobilised a full range of surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure “mobility and fluidity on the roads and, at the same time, ensure road safety”.

As in previous years the Civil Guard will be visible and out in force.

The DGT has announced that 780 fixed speeding checkpoints will be activated as well as 545 mobile radars will be in operation.

In addition 15 unmarked vehicles will be checking that motorists comply with other safety regulations whilst driving including the use of mobile phones, wearing of seat belts and correct fitting of child seats.

The main rush out of the cities is expected later today between 5 and 10pm and tomorow between 10am and 2pm.

As in previous years the main traffic surge for the return is expected for Sunday after 4pm. Additional motorway lanes will be created using cones on the outgoing side to alleviate the heavy traffic.

In addition heavy goods vehicles will be restricted on all Spanish motorway and national roads from Sunday afternoon.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE MADRID NEWS