Anaga Residents Demand Urgent Action as Traffic Gridlock Plagues Rural Park

Traffic management in Anaga Rural Park is back in the spotlight after the neighborhood group "Unidos por Anaga" shared footage of severe congestion near Cruz del Carmen. The videos, filmed mid-morning, highlight how current traffic controls are failing, fueling ongoing tension between tourism and the daily needs of this Biosphere Reserve.

This is not an isolated issue; it is a recurring problem that disrupts life for residents in villages like Afur, Roque Negro, Taborno, Las Carboneras, and El Batán. According to the neighborhood group, traffic on the TF-12 road frequently gridlocks once police patrols leave for the day. This prevents ambulances, school buses, and delivery trucks from moving freely. Residents argue that the Cabildo de Tenerife’s digital infrastructure—such as sensors and information signs—is disconnected from the reality on the ground and fails to enforce existing access rules.

The situation is part of a wider struggle against tourist overcrowding. In March, nearly 400 people blocked traffic in the area to demand stricter mobility controls. Although the Cabildo and transport authorities agreed in May 2025 to ban heavy vehicles longer than 12.2 meters, locals report that these rules are consistently ignored.

The La Laguna City Council has now formally requested daily vehicle quotas to reduce pressure on the park. Meanwhile, a proposed Mobility Plan featuring 24 strategies—including new park-and-ride facilities in Las Canteras and shuttle bus services—is currently under review. The public can submit feedback until September, but many residents remain skeptical. They are calling for immediate action, arguing that current levels of tourism are damaging the environment and making daily life unsustainable for those who live in the region.