Embracing a Slower Pace in Portugal

Dear Editor,

Whilst partaking in my ongoing hiatus in Portugal’s Algarve, I have been taken aback by a unique yet straightforward traffic speed monitoring system designed to ensure drivers slow down when nearing villages or when faced with inviting open roads that may tempt one to surpass the 50km/hr speed limit.

Instead of displaying your speed and solely relying on the appeal to civic sense to reduce speed as done in Ireland, here, in Portugal, surpassing the 50km/hr limit instantly triggers a change in the traffic light to red further down the road. If, however, your speed is within acceptable bounds, the light remains green. It is an effective system.

Yours truly,

TONY LOWES,
Currently in Portugal

Written by Ireland.la Staff

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