The Paeria acknowledged that the 'photo-red' systems, which penalize running a red light (a serious offense resulting in a 200 euro fine and 4 license points), cannot pass the mandatory periodic verification. These devices entered service in March 2014 and were initially highly effective, removing an average of nearly 80 points daily.
Periodic verification cannot be carried out, which is why the 'photo-red' devices have lost their sanctioning capacity.
In contrast to the situation with traffic lights, the city council assures that the fixed speed radars are functioning normally and are issuing fines. Of the nine existing fixed radars, three are simultaneously operational each day on a rotational basis, in addition to the presence of a mobile radar used by the Guàrdia Urbana.
The camera inactivity is reflected in DGT data, which show a drastic drop in points withdrawn for running red lights: 868 points in 2022 and only 720 in 2023, far from the initial figures. Speeding penalties vary, ranging from 100 euros for exceeding the limit by up to 20 km/h, to higher fines with point deductions for more severe infractions.
This is not the first time Lleida's surveillance systems have faced issues. Video surveillance cameras in the Eix Comercial (Commercial Axis) and the Historic Center were inactive between 2016 and 2021 due to lack of maintenance. Currently, the number of surveillance cameras is increasing, with 63 installed in 2024 and the forecast to exceed 300 operational units by 2027.
