PSOE slams “traffic chaos” in Timanfaya and urges activation of shuttle bus plan

The PSOE in Lanzarote has reported that Timanfaya National Park is once again suffering “traffic gridlock”, with long queues of vehicles and “chaos” at the entrances. According to the party, the situation has forced the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) to intervene yet again to enforce compliance with current regulations.

The PSOE argue that this is not an isolated incident but rather “a recurring situation”, in which the Guardia Civil has had to step in on several occasions to “limit the number of parked vehicles, set at a maximum of 90, in the face of clear violations of environmental and safety regulations”.

Socialist councillor Benjamín Perdomo, a former head of the Centers for Art, Culture, and Tourism, has been direct in his criticism. “What is happening in Timanfaya is no coincidence; it is the direct consequence of the inaction and mismanagement of the current government,” he said.

“Seprona is having to do the work that belongs to the Cabildo. It is unacceptable that, time and again, we see images of endless lines, cars invading protected areas, and a total lack of control. It is utterly irresponsible,” he added.

The PSOE recalled that during the previous legislative session, it had drafted a specific protocol to regulate access to the park. That protocol included the creation of two parking areas in Tinajo and Yaiza and the implementation of a shuttle bus system to reduce the pressure of private vehicles in the protected area.

“That plan has been drawn up, refined, and is ready to be implemented. What’s missing is political will. We can’t keep looking the other way while one of Lanzarote’s most important natural areas deteriorates,” stated the Socialist councillor.

Concerns over sustainability and visitor experience

The PSOE emphasised that the current situation not only affects the conservation of the National Park but also damages the island’s image as a sustainable tourist destination, while causing inconvenience and unnecessary delays for residents and visitors.

“Timanfaya cannot continue to be synonymous with gridlock,” Perdomo said.

For all these reasons, the PSOE of Lanzarote demanded that the governing coalition formed by Coalición Canaria and the Partido Popular immediately activate the mobility plan designed during the previous legislative session. The party is calling for the shuttle bus system and park-and-ride facilities to be implemented as an urgent measure to ensure compliance with the law, protect the environment, and improve the experience of those visiting Timanfaya. “What is at stake is the sustainability and credibility of Lanzarote as an island that prides itself on protecting its territory. And today, unfortunately, that credibility is in question due to the Cabildo’s negligence,” he concluded.