The PSOE of the Arona Town Council has raised concerns about the “worrying rise” of electric scooters in the area, highlighting the detrimental effects this situation is having on public spaces and green zones.
The Socialists have emphasised that the unchecked growth of electric scooter services is converting areas meant for the enjoyment of residents into makeshift parking areas and exchange points for entire fleets, which degrades urban settings and tarnishes the image of Arona.
The Socialist Group has reiterated that the number of operators has surged, indiscriminately occupying public spaces, including garden areas and other recreational spots. This condition is leading to an obvious decline in urban infrastructure and creating a negative perception of the municipality.
“It is frequently observed that scooters are abandoned and stacked in gardens, in hazardous locations, and intruding on public areas. Poorly parked scooters obstruct pavements, hinder pedestrian movement, block access to shops or buildings, and occupy spaces designated for other vehicles,” states councillor Mikaela Brito.
Ignored prohibition and violations
The Socialists also highlight that, despite the prohibition on riding electric scooters along the coastal promenades marked with specific signage, this regulation is being disregarded, leading to a rise in confrontations between scooter riders and pedestrians.
These incidents have encompassed accidents and near-misses due to the excessive speeds at which these vehicles operate, as well as collisions with other motor vehicles.
Another instance of the hazards presented by these vehicles became evident during the Los Cristianos procession, where local police had to safeguard participants at pedestrian crossings owing to the significant risks posed by fast-moving electric scooters in the area.
In light of this situation, the Socialist Group of Arona is calling for the immediate execution of a set of concrete actions aimed at effectively addressing this issue. Among the proposed measures, the following are particularly notable: regular inspections to evaluate the damage sustained by scooters in public spaces and the identification of deteriorated areas, followed by prompt restoration.
They also advocate for stricter enforcement of existing regulations, especially in ensuring that both scooter operators and users adhere to parking and traffic rules. This would involve active monitoring in the most affected areas.
The Arona Socialists implore the local authorities to implement urgent measures to strictly regulate scooter parking, establishing dedicated spaces for their parking to safeguard both users and urban infrastructure. They also urge the local government to heed the concerns and complaints of residents and to make decisive choices in order to formulate a strategy that harmonises sustainability, affordability, and safety within the municipality’s mobility framework.
