Tenerife A scheme of eight initiatives to alleviate traffic congestion in Anaga Rural Park, one of the most frequented natural areas on the island that spans three municipalities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna and Tegueste.
This is the Insular government’s response, led by Rosa Dávila, to the frustrations of the local residents of the massif, who experience significant overcrowding every weekend and on public holidays, resulting in considerable distress for over 2,000 inhabitants of the hamlets, particularly concerning transportation.
This emergency measure set comprises “Severe penalties” as declared by Rosa Dávila, targeting irregular drivers, especially those who park their vehicles on the roadside, which is not permitted, obstructing one of the lanes.
The plan also features Special Security and Surveillance Operations on specific dates that anticipate a significant influx of both local visitors and tourists. Indeed, these deployments are currently being organised, with the first one set to commence immediately, this upcoming Holy Week, starting on Monday, April 14. The Checkswill be conducted by the Civil Guard, local police, and Canarian police.
Queues of vehicles hindering one of the lanes of the Anaga road. / The day
The remaining six initiatives aimed at reducing traffic jams in Anaga encompass the enhancement of road surfacing (commencing with the TF-12, the principal access to Anaga), the Expansion of Laybys to facilitate the organised parking of a controlled number of vehicles, selective pruning of trees along the tracks, an emphasis on Public transport enhancements, the establishment of two deterrent car parks in the quarries and Almáciga, and the installation of a sensor network for real-time updates on road conditions.
Among the solutions proposed for the improvement of the public guaguas service, particularly for Holy Week, is the activation of free line 948, which connects Azanos, the beach of Almáciga, and Benijos. This initiative will be launched during the weekend of April 12 and 13 and throughout the Holy Week holidays.
This agreement was reached during a meeting held on Wednesday at the Cabildo de Tenerife’s headquarters by León and Evelyn Alonso, alongside other representatives from the aforementioned administrations.
The residents have demanded strict measures for years in response to the chronic congestion on the roads in Anaga Rural Park, which has led to a situation of risk in cases of possible emergencies, such as evacuations.
Anaga laurisilva forest. / Arturo Jiménez
The overcrowding in this protected area, home to a type of montane vegetation revered as a ‘plant dinosaur’, the laurisilva, has not only jeopardised the natural ecosystem but has also caused significant unrest for the residents scattered throughout the mountainous and coastal regions.
Anaga Rural Park, designated as a biosphere reserve, boasts immeasurable natural values, featuring a rich flora and fauna teeming with endemism and an impressive network of trails. Visitors are undoubtedly captivated by the stunning and rugged Cumbrian mountain range. The steep valleys and ravines descending from these heights reach the sea, creating numerous beaches perfect for a refreshing swim.
Anaga Rural Park covers a substantial area of the mountain range located at the northeast end of Tenerife. Spanning nearly 14,500 hectares, it encompasses a significant portion of the island and is under protection.
In addition to the measures for traffic regulation, the Cabildo has announced the Improvement of laybys and expansion of parking areas in special congestion hotspots such as La Cruz del Carmen. The aim is to enhance the movement of vehicles and provide temporary parking facilities at strategic locations.
