Inhabitants of the villages and towns in Anaga state that the situation in the Rural Park is “unbearable” and admit to feeling neglected by the authorities in light of the daily congestion they experience with complete traffic chaos caused by the influx of tourists, particularly in the vicinity of Carmen’s Cross.
DIARIO DE AVISOS reported last Saturday on the long lines in that area and on the TF-12, the main road connecting the towns of Anaga, which is the primary communication route for many residents with the rest of the island.
Emulating the Teno approach and enhancing public transport
Locals in the area are calling for immediate and urgent action from the Tenerife Island Council and the municipalities of Santa Cruz and La Laguna, suggesting replicating the Teno model to manage the congestion caused by the high volume of vehicles. “Introducing shuttle buses could resolve the issue,” proposed one affected resident. “If you want to encourage tourism, focus on buses.”
This proposal would involve regulating access based on time slots, meaning entry to the Rural Park would only be allowed via public transport during specified times. Outside those hours, private vehicle use would be permitted.
Additionally, they had requested weeks ago an increase in bus frequencies to and from the cities and larger vehicles, as many “were unable to board due to overcrowding.” “If this situation persists, we will consider closing the roads, both leading to Mercedes and San Andrés,” they cautioned.
Transport plan and augmented investment
Residents highlight that they have been enduring this situation for three years, initially limited to weekends but now a daily occurrence. “It takes us between 45 minutes to an hour to reach home or pick up the children from school… If a neighbour falls ill, they have to wait in line for two hours,” they shared.
Therefore, they are pressing for a response to the Transport Plan and increased infrastructure investment. “It has been covered in all media outlets but has been disregarded. People walk along the roadsides with children and prams. Action will only be taken after an accident,” they lamented.
Neighbours’ vehicles towed, but not those of tourists
Affected individuals raise concerns about the numerous vehicles parked haphazardly, forcing them to swerve into the opposite lane to pass, posing a risk to all road users.
“While the Civil Guard fines us for parking outside our homes, they neglect those obstructing the road, citing a lack of tow trucks to remove them. “We are extremely frustrated,” complained Fulgencio, president of the Pico del Inglés neighbourhood association.
Another issue exacerbating the problem is the activation of two traffic lights at the entrance to the Rural Park via the Las Mercedes access, which remain red for extended periods with no vehicles passing in either direction.
The Tenerife Council is scheduled to meet with affected residents next week at Cruz del Carmen to address the congestion issue promptly.
