The initiative to pedestrianise Calle Santiago, located in the centre of the El Toscal district, extending from Calle Santa Rosalía to Calle San Isidro in the city of Tenerife, is nearing completion but has faced criticism from the police union CSIF. The union has accused Santa Cruz City Council of “non-compliance” with the municipal decree regarding Accessibility when designing the new pedestrian crossings along this thoroughfare.
According to the union, “the curbs on the sidewalks of Santa Rosalía Street do not have the necessary lowering, which prevents individuals with reduced mobility, particularly wheelchair users, from safely crossing at the designated pedestrian crossings.”
Furthermore, the police union asserts that “the markings on the ground also contravene the General Traffic Regulations, as this is not considered a legitimate pedestrian crossing as outlined by the regulations. Consequently, in the event of an accident, both pedestrians and drivers are not only perplexed but also vulnerable.”
In response, the Centro-Ifara district of the city council, which oversees this issue, confirmed to DIARIO DE AVISOS yesterday that they are currently reviewing the pedestrian crossings that have already been established following the renovations on Santa Rosalía Street.
Although there is a vertical sign from the council indicating to pedestrians that they are entering a construction area with an accessible route, the municipal decree specifically outlines in point seven the necessary requirements for this purpose. It emphasises that “reasonable adjustments will be made to eliminate/replace/reform existing barriers, such as street furniture or plant species, within accessible pedestrian routes.”
In this context, it also clarifies that “where accessible routes contain plant elements that breach ministerial order TMA/851/2021, according to article 18 of the decree, should it become necessary to fell or transplant trees, then twice the number of trees removed must be replaced in the nearest suitable area to the operation.”
The pedestrianisation project for the streets of El Toscal, which was endorsed by the local Government Board last May, forms part of the urban planning framework of the Special Protection Plan for the Historic Site of El Toscal. The aim is to renovate and enhance these streets, making them more accessible and providing modern amenities and broader pathways.
This urban renewal initiative encompasses improvements to the sanitation network, enhanced lighting, upgraded street furniture, and the planting of trees to create shaded areas along the streets.
