The Cabildo of Tenerife’s announcement to permanently close the TF-5 link in Guamasa, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion for about eight months, may face rejection from the United Nations. The municipal group of La Laguna believes that this measure only displaces the problem.
The closure is scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and Unidas can argue that this simply shifts the issue of traffic jams without tackling the root causes of road congestion.
According to Unidas se puede, the pilot test conducted in October, which coincided with days of unusual traffic, reported an improvement in traffic flow of between 10% and 19%.
Rubens Ascanio, co-spokesperson and councilor for Unidas se puede, contends that “such temporary and restrictive measures only mask the problem, without providing real and sustainable solutions for the mobility of Tenerife residents.”
He argues that this measure “was applied in an attempt to fulfill electoral commitments, without considering the consequences for the area’s residents, for whom alternative mobility options should have been sought before implementing this measure.”
The United Nations could argue that the closure of the Guamasa interchange does not address the pressing need to enhance and expand public transportation options on the island.
“The only way to address the congestion on TF5 is by boosting the BUS-VAO and public transport that can offer a viable alternative to private vehicles,” says Ascanio.
United can propose measures focused on enhancing mobility in Tenerife, including the expansion and enhancement of the public transport network, increasing bus and tram frequencies, particularly during peak hours, creating dedicated lanes for public transport to ensure faster and more efficient travel, and promoting active mobility by developing safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
