Abandoned Vehicles Create Safety and Parking Issues in El Fraile, South Tenerife

In the municipality of Arona, located in south Tenerife, the Socialist Party (PSOE) has raised significant concerns regarding deteriorating living conditions in the El Fraile neighborhood. The situation has escalated to a point where the presence of abandoned vehicles is not only affecting the aesthetics of the area but also posing serious public safety risks.

Escalating Concerns Over Abandoned Cars

Currently, more than 40 abandoned vehicles are scattered throughout El Fraile, contributing to a range of issues that residents find increasingly intolerable. These derelict cars, many of which have been left unattended for months, are surrounded by litter and debris, creating an unsightly environment. During a recent visit to the area, PSOE spokesperson José Julián Mena and councillor Ruth Lorenzo noted that numerous streets are filled with these vehicles, which are often missing wheels or propped up on blocks, further exacerbating the problem.

Residents have expressed their frustration over what they perceive as ongoing neglect from local authorities. The PSOE has pointed out that this issue has been raised multiple times in council meetings, where they proposed enhancements to the management of the municipal tow yard to expedite the removal of these abandoned vehicles. Unfortunately, this proposal was dismissed by the ruling coalition of PP–CC–Vox, which has failed to provide any effective solutions to the growing problem.

Insufficient Action from Local Authorities

The Socialist Party claims that vehicle removals are primarily focused on main roads or during local events, leaving the rest of the neighborhood largely unattended by the Local Police or municipal towing services. As a result, an increasing number of abandoned cars remain in the area for extended periods, often lacking insurance or technical inspections. This neglect not only affects the safety of the community but also contributes to a decline in the overall quality of life for residents.

Councillor Ruth Lorenzo remarked, “This is not an isolated issue; it is prevalent in various areas of Arona, and the government neither plans nor acts. This situation exemplifies their inaction regarding traffic and road safety.” Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among residents who feel that their concerns are being ignored by those in power.

Stalled Safety Initiatives

Mena recalled that during his tenure in government, a project was initiated to install 16 fixed CCTV cameras in El Fraile aimed at enhancing safety, deterring vandalism, and monitoring abandoned vehicles. However, he noted that this project has been stalled for two years under the leadership of Fátima Lemes, with no explanations provided to the community. The lack of progress on this initiative has left residents feeling vulnerable and frustrated.

The PSOE representatives have warned that the absence of planning and the inaction of the PP–CC–Vox government are transforming this issue into a structural problem. Mena emphasized that El Fraile and other neighborhoods in Arona cannot continue to wait while the municipality’s image and safety continue to decline. The ongoing neglect not only affects the immediate environment but also has broader implications for community cohesion and public trust in local governance.

Key points

• The PSOE has raised alarms over more than 40 abandoned vehicles in El Fraile, south Tenerife.
• Residents express frustration over the neglect of their neighborhood.
• A proposal to improve vehicle removal management was rejected by the local government.
• Abandoned cars are primarily removed from main roads, leaving local areas unattended.
• PSOE highlights the need for better planning and action from local authorities.
• A project for installing CCTV cameras in El Fraile has been stalled for two years.
• The situation poses risks to public safety and urban appearance.