A system to manage the high influx of visitors and vehicles in the protected natural sites of Tenerife, coordinated by the Island Government (Cabildo), has been put into operation starting this weekend, according to an announcement made by the council. The initiative led to several fines being issued for improper parking in the Teide National Park.
Specifically, drivers or renters faced penalties for parking in designated spots for individuals with reduced mobility, in bus zones, and on yellow lines. Moreover, a number of tourists were approached for obstructing traffic flow by parking in the middle of the road, as well as those taking pictures while standing on the roadside rocks.
As outlined by Pedro Millán, the director of the Natural Environment division at Cabildo de Tenerife, the surveillance system involves the local police, Civil Traffic Guard, Canarian Police, and environmental officers. This operation, as per the council, will primarily focus on the Teide National Park, as well as the rural parks of Anaga and Teno. These areas, due to the large influx of tourists, have been experiencing traffic congestion and extensive queues inappropriate for rural and protected regions.
Millán mentioned that local police patrols are consistently monitoring critical spots in the Anaga region, specifically Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés, where traffic congestion is most severe. This past weekend, due to the inability to find parking at a viewpoint, queues formed, resulting in long waiting times to park. Some impatient individuals lacking civility even resorted to parking in restricted areas.
According to Millán, the recent weekend witnessed a “perfect storm”, attributed to good weather conditions, ongoing construction works, and a traffic light installation along one of the roads cutting across the Anaga Rural Park. However, this scenario is not new, as Anaga residents have long been critical of the high volume of vehicles on roads, congested bus stops, and the presence of large buses occupying both lanes to navigate tight turns on narrow, winding roads.
Millán disclosed that the Natural Environment department is collaborating with the Mobility division to enhance public transport services and boost mobility for residents and tourists, addressing “undesirable situations” like buses being unable to pick up passengers at stops due to being already full.
Pedro Millán stated that “not all decisions have been finalized, nor have all solutions been determined,” emphasizing efforts to reach a consensus with all involved parties.
One proposed measure is to distribute a set of “best practices” guidelines on traffic circulation and parking in protected natural areas to car rental companies.
Impact of Tourist Overcrowding
This shift is observed as “circumstances that were less frequent in the past are now becoming more common,” such as instances of “parking in the middle of the road or on delicate vegetation,” highlighted by the director of the Cabildo’s Natural Environment division.
The reason behind this? According to him, “the increase in tourism and subsequent overcrowding of natural spaces are having a growing impact”, a concerning trend, as occurrences that used to be sporadic are now on the rise.
Pedro Millán stressed that “the majority of our visitors are respectful, but there is a small minority engaging in inappropriate behaviours that need to be addressed.”
Regulating Tourism Activities in Anaga: A Controversial Decision
“At some point, overcrowding reaches a level where visitors no longer enjoy their visit,” remarked Millán, who voiced concerns about the sustainability of these areas. Communication routes within these spaces, he mentioned, are limited and cannot be expanded.
When questioned about the possibility of implementing traffic restrictions similar to those in Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, in Teide, Millán pointed out the presence of a national highway passing through Teide, making it unfeasible to impose complete closures.
The proposed management plan for the Teide National Park, which sparked controversy in the previous term, includes the introduction of shuttle buses. However, Millán noted that this initiative is too ambitious to be addressed in the near future.
La Laguna’s Stance on Rental Vehicle Regulations in Anaga
During a recent session, the La Laguna City Council rejected a proposal by Drago Verdes Canarias to regulate tourist vehicle access in Anaga Rural Park, with votes against from PSOE, Canarian Coalition, PP, and Vox. Alberto Rodríguez of Drago Verdes Canarias criticised the prioritisation of mass tourism over the environmental and human sustainability of the natural spaces, particularly Anaga Rural Park.
Rodríguez highlighted the uncontrolled vehicle influx in Anaga and its detrimental impact on the protected natural area. Just days later, a “perfect storm” situation, as described by Pedro Millán, Director of the Natural Environment at Cabildo de Tenerife, took place.
Rodríguez emphasised the necessity to protect the ecosystem and ensure decent mobility for local residents, citing constant traffic jams during holidays, weekends, and scarcity of bus services, leading to locals being unable to access transportation due to overcrowding by tourist groups.
The motion urged the Municipal Government to restrict the entry of tourist vehicles, including rentals, tourism licensed vehicles, and quad/buggy excursions, by establishing a daily quota to maintain the park’s conservation conditions.
Additionally, the proposal suggested limiting private tourist vehicle circulation on weekends and prohibiting parking within the park, as an urgent measure to mitigate the direct impact on the protected area.
The initiative also called for the improvement and expansion of public transport to ensure that Anaga Rural Park remains accessible under suitable conservation standards.
Lastly, the motion requested the recognition of distinctions between tourists and locals by public administrations governing protected areas, advocating measures that prioritise local access within defined conservation limits.
Unfortunately, the motion was ultimately rejected.
