Canary Islands Address Car Dependency and Traffic Challenges

Recent discussions have highlighted the urgent need to reevaluate transportation and urban planning in the Balearic Islands, taking cues from the Canary Islands’ experiences.

Insights from the Recent Forum

The second session organized by elDiario.es, in partnership with Trasmed, GNV, and Balearia, focused on the pressing issues surrounding vehicle regulation in the islands. Experts at the forum unanimously pointed out that the reliance on private vehicles and the resulting traffic congestion are consequences of flawed urban and economic planning.

The session, titled ‘Alternative Models: The Case of the Canary Islands,’ was moderated by journalist Nico Ribas, who covers Ibiza and Formentera for elDiario.es. Fernando Davara, a civil engineer and coordinator of the Sustainable Mobility Plan for Tenerife, opened the discussion by emphasizing that traffic patterns are a direct result of systemic issues. He noted that the current challenges arise from how populations, residential areas, and tourist activities are distributed across the islands.

Understanding Traffic Patterns and Urban Planning

Davara explained that while the Canary Islands attract many individuals due to job opportunities in tourism, not everyone can afford to live close to these activities, leading to a polarized economic landscape. He further elaborated on the commuting patterns, stating that many residents are forced to travel from midland areas, exacerbating congestion in specific locations. He urged participants to consider the type of island they envision, suggesting that decisions should be made based on factors like carrying capacity and urban growth.

Lourdes Trujillo, an Economics Professor and Director of the Pormar Chair at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), addressed the sustainability challenges faced by maritime transport, which is crucial for the Canary Islands’ supply chain. She pointed out that shipping companies must adhere to European regulations aimed at reducing emissions significantly by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Trujillo noted that while there is a transition towards cleaner fuels, there is still no consensus on the best solution, with natural gas currently serving as a transitional option.

Maritime Transport and Its Role in Reducing Car Dependency

Trujillo also raised concerns about the competitive disadvantages faced by Canary Islands ports compared to Moroccan ports, which do not have to comply with the same emission standards. She highlighted the complexities surrounding port electrification, emphasizing that merely connecting ships to the electrical grid is not sufficient if the grid cannot support the demand. She called for thorough studies to determine the most environmentally friendly options for port operations, criticizing the slow pace of investment in this sector and the bureaucratic hurdles that hinder maritime trade.

Juan Ignacio Millán, director of the Fred Olsen fleet, underscored the importance of maritime transport for maintaining connectivity between the islands. He acknowledged that while cars are essential in more rugged areas like La Gomera and La Palma, the growing populations in Tenerife and Gran Canaria are leading to congestion issues similar to those in the Balearic Islands. Millán noted that in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, a significant number of tourists opt for public transportation, with buses accounting for around 30% of passenger movement. He emphasized that enhancing port facilities is vital for reducing reliance on cars, stating that vehicles often accompany passengers as part of their travel needs.

Key points

• The need to rethink transportation and urban planning in the Balearic Islands was discussed, using the Canary Islands as a model.
• Experts highlighted that traffic congestion results from poor urban and economic planning.
• Fernando Davara emphasized the importance of considering population distribution and commuting patterns in traffic management.
• Lourdes Trujillo discussed the sustainability challenges of maritime transport and the need for cleaner fuels.
• Juan Ignacio Millán stressed the role of maritime transport in ensuring connectivity between the islands.
• Concerns were raised about the competitive disadvantages of Canary Islands ports compared to those in Morocco.
• Improving port facilities is seen as crucial for reducing car dependency in the region.