WhoseGeneration wrote:Well, my thread last year on this subject ended up locked.
So, this year's May holiday in Spain was based in Denia. Again, absolutely perfect roads, whichever category. Denia, a seaside tourist resort, was immaculate.
I had thought Spain was a basket case, you know, youth unemployment at about 40%, with some coming to the UK for work.
How does this work?
Spain is by no means a basket case. It's growth rate exceeds the UK. A remarkable achievement given it had no official government for a couple of years - who needs them
Yes there is high youth unemployment but this is endemic. It has always been like that and many young people are 'hidden' as they work for their families.
Just for reference:
http://elpais.com/elpais/2017/04/19/ine ... 71364.htmlSpain places a high importance on its infrastructure.
It has one of the most advanced motorway networks, amongst the largest in the world.
The high speed train network (limited to 320kph at the moment, planned to increase to nearer 400kph later) is also amongst the largest in the world (I stand to be correct but believe it may actually be the largest). A network which charges reasonable prices as well.
Unless they are part of the EU cohesion plan, roads are funded by the Spanish State and maintaining them is given high priority. The toll motorway network is built by private contractors who recoup the cost via the tolls - though the government has had to 'nationalise' some of them that have fallen into financial problems.
The autonomous states such as Catalunya and Euskadi (Basque country) and others have individual power to build/maintain and police roads.
All roads are generally well maintained and effectively policed.