The inhabitants of the canyon and village of Masca, in Buenavista del Norte, have urged the island and local authorities to implement control measures to alleviate the congestion of vehicles in the area.
It stands as the second most popular destination in Tenerife, attracting over 600 tourists daily. This influx has started to overwhelm the region, much to the frustration of its 80 residents.
According to Javier Díaz, the president of the Masca Ravine Neighbourhood Association, speaking on Televisión Canaria, the newly built walkway alongside the road aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety “has come too late and serves only for tourist purposes.”.
Hence, he calls for further enhancements to address the traffic disorder. These include a continuous police presence during peak hours, clear vertical and horizontal signage to regulate parking for cars and buses, as well as upgrades to the TF-436 road involving widening, slope sanitation, and other safety initiatives for both residents and visitors.
Furthermore, the president stresses the importance of considering the needs of residents facing restricted access to their homes. He emphasises the necessity for resources to help the elderly with reduced mobility who encounter inadequate conditions in the pedestrian entrances and ramps of the village, which suffer from a lack of proper maintenance.
“Instead of investing in new ventures, we should enhance existing ones to align with current requirements. We appeal for fairness, not just focusing on investments for tourism. We, as residents, also reside here and hold the same rights as any other established community in Tenerife,” he expressed on regional television.
Meanwhile, Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Natural Environment of the Cabildo of Tenerife, has stated that they are implementing gradual measures to enhance the area’s safety. “The police presence is already making a significant difference,” she assured.
“We must assess the space’s carrying capacity and limit the number of vehicles entering Masca to implement regulation.” They plan to introduce the pier, enhance public transport, and restrict the size of buses to achieve this goal.
