An apparatus to monitor the flow of people and vehicles in the protected natural areas of Tenerife, managed by the Council, commenced operations this weekend, leading to a number of fines being issued for improper parking within the Teide National Park.
As reported by the Island Corporation, individuals who owned or rented vehicles were penalised for parking in spaces designated for people with disabilities, buses, or on yellow lines. Moreover, several tourists found themselves reprimanded for parking in the middle of traffic lanes and for taking photos on road edges near rocks.
This monitoring system comprises the local police, the Civil Traffic Guard, the Canarian Police, and environmental agents, as outlined by Pedro Millán, the director of the Cabildo’s Natural Environment department, to EFE. Its primary focus will be on the Teide National Park, as well as the rural parks of Anaga and Teno.
Regarding the Anaga region, Millán mentioned that local police patrols are regularly moving, particularly to the “critical points” of Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés, where traffic congestion is most severe.
Addressing the traffic disruptions last weekend on the TF-12 in Anaga, the Natural Environment department director admitted that a “perfect storm” had occurred due to favourable weather conditions, ongoing construction work, and a traffic light issue on one of the roads. Efforts are being made to coordinate with the Mobility department to enhance public transport services and improve the mobility of residents and visitors, addressing issues such as full buses being unable to pick up passengers at stops.
Millán emphasised that not all decisions have been finalised, and they are working towards consensus among all stakeholders. One initiative involves sharing a list of “best practices” for driving and parking in protected natural spaces with car rental companies.
He raised concerns about new occurrences, such as parking in the middle of roads or on vegetation, becoming more frequent due to the rising number of tourists overcrowding natural areas. This escalation is worrying, as previously sporadic incidents are now commonplace.
While acknowledging that the majority of visitors are respectful, Millán highlighted the need to address the small percentage engaging in inappropriate behaviours. He expressed worries about congestion hampering visitor enjoyment and the sustainability of these spaces, limited in communication routes that cannot be expanded.
When asked about the possibility of replicating traffic restrictions from Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote at Teide, Millán indicated challenges due to a national highway passing through Teide, making complete closure unfeasible. He referenced a governing plan proposing shuttle bus services for Teide, though implementation is still in early stages.
