The Governing Council of the Cabildo de Tenerife approved yesterday the contract award to the company Kapsch Trafficcom Transportation Sau, amounting to 428,104 euros (financed through European Next Generation funds), for the implementation of an intelligent traffic management system to safeguard the Rural Park of Anaga, with an execution timeframe of 15 months.
This announcement was made by the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, during a press conference alongside island vice president, Lope Afonso. During this appearance, Dávila also revealed that an agreement has been established with the Provincial Directorate of Traffic and the subsector to gradually reduce the dimensions of tourist buses operating in Anaga, although she noted that a resolution from traffic authorities is still required before this measure can be enacted.
Regarding the intelligent traffic system for Anaga, it will entail the installation of a series of sensors and devices capable of counting and classifying each vehicle in real-time, distinguishing between cars, buses, motorcycles, and other categories. Furthermore, the analysis of the origin and destination of movements will enhance understanding of mobility patterns within the area.
Another benefit of the system is its ability to identify times of congestion and suggest adaptive solutions, particularly during peak demand periods. It aims to improve the utilisation of parking facilities and encourage public transport, facilitating decision-making grounded in objective data.
“This is a pioneering system across Spain that will enable us to understand traffic patterns and management in a much more efficient way that respects this area. This will empower us to make significant decisions regarding the Anaga Rural Park, in collaboration with the municipalities of Santa Cruz and La Laguna,” stated Dávila.
This protected area sees nearly 1.5 million visitors annually, averaging about 4,100 daily, making it crucial to analyse usage patterns to reduce reliance on private vehicles and promote public transport and surrounding parking facilities.
Specifically, “an agreement has been reached to temporarily allow tourist buses up to 12.2 metres for a duration of five years, until transitioning to 11-metre buses, which is the ultimate goal. In the case of Masca, we would directly permit 10-metre vehicles, which are already in circulation,” explained Dávila, who noted that for this measure to be implemented, traffic management resolution is still pending.
In November of last year, Rosa Dávila announced that from January this year, large tourist buses would not be allowed to travel through Anaga; however, it seems this measure has not yet been enforced. In fact, residents of the area have reported that these large tourist vehicles continue to operate within the rural park.
On a different note, the Board also approved a funding line of 516,000 euros aimed at promoting the hiring of researchers through industrial doctorates in companies, as announced by Dávila.
Meanwhile, vice president Lope Afonso added during the press conference that approval had been granted for subsidies to foster the creation of new industrial projects for SMEs and freelancers amounting to 135,000 euros, which could be expanded to 200,000 euros; as well as another fund of 550,000 euros (which is extendable to one million) for restoring premises and equipment geared towards retail, the restoration subsector, and personal services; alongside one for 800,000 euros targeting companies and professionals within the cultural sector.
Additionally, Rosa Dávila declared that the Cabildo commenced issuing nursery vouchers yesterday, which will benefit approximately 1,500 families on the island in its second edition.
