Two associations of people with disabilities and reduced mobility of Cross port have recently gone to the deputy of the common, rafael yanesto denounce the problems suffered in the city by the proliferation and excesses of some terraces of bars, restaurants and cafes. we want to move and For an Accessible and Diverse Puerto de la Cruz warn that the invasion of sidewalks and pedestrian spaces with tables and chairs has become a significant barrier for people who must move in wheelchairs or with other supports.
The representatives of these entities conveyed their concern to rafael yanes and to the first deputy to this high commissioner appointed by the Parliament of the Canary Islands to defend the constitutional rights and freedoms of Canarian citizens, Philip Afonso. At the meeting, they highlighted the existence of a problem that represents an added difficulty and risk for these groups in their day-to-day lives.
The invasion of sidewalks and pedestrian spaces by tables and chairs has become a problem for people with disabilities
The representative of the Association for an Accessible and Diverse Puerto de la Cruz, Elia Sacramento, asked the common deputy for his help to “improve accessibility in the municipality, especially with the current problem we have with the terraces.” Sacramento recalled that the port city council “He gave the order to stick the terraces to the line of the façade, but all the businessmen have not complied, so the space left for citizens to walk is minimal in many places. They are not complying with the laws and regulations that protect people with disabilities. We are not against terraces, but we want orderly terraces where all citizens have a place, whether they have a disability or not.
Also in other locations
The spokesperson for the Association We Want to Move, Ana Mengibar, also informed Yanes that they will continue to go to the Diputación del Común to “raise similar situations in other municipalities on the Island, where this problem is also occurring.” Mengíbar advanced that his group is “drafting several writings that we will soon transfer to the regional institution”, while thanking “all the efforts that have been made since the Common Council on disability in recent years.
Rafael Yanes promised to request to the Puerto de la Cruz Town Hall «all the information on compliance with the municipal ordinance on the occupation of public spaces and the rest of the current legislation». For the common deputy, “the worst disability that exists is the inability to comply with the laws.”