GNR starts Operation Hermes to 'support road users'

Paul Rees 28 June 2018

gnrstop With a start date of June 29 and lasting until tourist numbers have dwindled in early September, the GNR is intensifying its traffic policing activities, in Operation Hermes.

Under the laudable initiative of patrolling, supervision and giving support to road users, the GNR’s stated objective is to ensure road users’ safety during the holiday months, especially at popular resorts and at summertime events. When it comes to fines, expect no mercy.

The GNR will concentrate its activities on motorways, major routes, complementary routes and EN national roads, as well as at the access routes to resorts.

Mobile patrols will enable GNR personnel to pay particular attention to risky behavior that jeopardises road safety, and lists:

Dangerous overtaking, sudden change of direction, U-turns, not stopping at a Stop sign, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front

Driving under the influence of alcohol and psychotropic substances

Driving without a valid license

Speeding

Incorrect or non-use of seat belts and child restraints

Using a mobile phone while tootling along, always a favourite.

Last July and August, the GNR attended 4,145 road accidents with victims and helped deal with 83 fatalities and 361 serious injuries.

As for the choice of the operational name, 'Hermes,' this refers to one of the 12 Olympian Gods. Hermes was god of trade, thieves, travellers, sports, athletes, and border crossings.

Ominously, Hermes also was the guide to the Underworld, so let's be careful out there...

Comments

+1 #7 Denby 2018-06-30 07:42

Hamilton,
Your view is so distorted, that I wonder if you actually are aware of life in Portugal. Think you need to get out more.

-1 #6 Hamilton 2018-06-29 16:00

What is the great advantage in continuing to have poorly trained military squaddies doing policing jobs in Graeco-Roman countries? It made sense in Napoleonic times to use the Army as a protector of the elite interests but few countries at that time had organised police forces. Now we do. So this expensive duplication and overlap - mimicking today the actual Portuguese Police in every way. Even in continuing to protect the elite criminal interests through this confusing overlap of responsibilities. For example in not handing over suspect arsonists to the PJ fire Specialists but to the local Prosecutor.

+2 #5 WestCoastDreamer 2018-06-29 11:01

Looking on the bright side, does this mean that I'm now at less risk of having them come round to fine me for having a tree in my garden?

+1 #4 AL 2018-06-29 09:36

Using indicators specially when approaching a roundabout. Some drivers like to keep it a secret as to where they are going. Even better indicate as you are turning, because it's convenient just stick your fingers out to catch the indicator stick while turning the steering wheel :sigh: