Anaga Residents Plan Protests Over Unresolved Traffic Gridlock and Tourism Impact

Traffic congestion in the Anaga Massif has reached a breaking point, sparking fears of ongoing social unrest. Local residents have announced a series of protests, frustrated by the failure of current road management measures to address the gridlock. People living in the area say their daily lives are being paralyzed by the massive influx of tourist buses and private cars.

The community feels abandoned by the Tenerife Island Council, accusing officials of failing to keep their promises. Residents were expecting the installation of security cameras and the deployment of traffic officers to manage the flow of vehicles, but these measures have yet to materialize. They argue that previous attempts to control access—such as the Civil Guard’s intervention at Cruz del Carmen last March—have done little to solve the problem.

In response, neighborhood groups are planning further protests at key locations, including the Las Canteras intersection and near forest areas. They hope these actions will highlight that the issue goes beyond simple traffic jams. Beyond demanding the right to move freely, the group is also calling for better environmental management, specifically urging authorities to tackle invasive plant species that threaten the area’s biodiversity.

This situation highlights the growing tension between tourism and the rights of local residents. The struggle in Anaga reflects a broader challenge: how to balance the popularity of sensitive natural areas with the quality of life for those who live there. For now, a comprehensive plan to manage this balance remains an unfinished task.