Row erupts in El Medano as 100 parking spaces are removed for new cycle lane
Residents in El Médano, one of south Tenerife’s most popular coastal towns, are voicing growing frustration after more than 100 parking spaces were removed to make way for a new cycle lane along Avenida Juan Carlos I.
The seaside town attracts thousands of visitors almost daily, thanks to its well-known beaches and strong water sports and leisure offering. However, locals say the popularity of the area has long brought problems, particularly a severe shortage of parking.
Residents Frustrated by Loss of Parking
The current controversy centres on construction work for a new cycling lane along Avenida Juan Carlos I, which has reduced available parking in the area and sparked complaints from residents.
Locals say the removal of spaces has worsened an issue that has existed for decades, making it increasingly difficult for residents to park near their homes.
Opposition Calls for Suspension of Cycle Lane
In response, Jennifer Miranda, the Socialist spokesperson in Granadilla de Abona, has called on the municipal government to halt the opening of the cycle lane until alternative parking solutions are provided.
According to Miranda, removing large numbers of parking spaces without offering viable alternatives is unfair to residents.
She also claims the town hall does not currently have a municipal ordinance regulating the use of cycle lanes, raising concerns that the project may not fully comply with existing legal requirements.
Previous Plans to Increase Parking
Miranda highlighted several measures that were initiated during her time as mayor aimed at easing the parking shortage. These included the creation of modular parking areas, one on Calle Tenerife and another behind the M3 building, as well as progress on unlocking development in key areas such as Médano Park and Trinchera.
There were also negotiations to use a plot of land at the entrance to the town as a parking area.
Additional proposals included introducing resident-priority “green zones” for parking along Avenida Juan Carlos I and other streets in El Médano. According to the Socialist group, these measures required a municipal ordinance to be implemented.
Concerns Ahead of the Summer Season
Miranda criticised the current municipal government, formed by Coalición Canaria, Vox and the Partido Popular, saying that none of these measures have been implemented during their first year in office.
She warned that the situation could worsen as the summer season approaches, when large numbers of events and visitors traditionally increase pressure on the town.
“People must remember that El Médano is not only for tourists,” she said, “but also home to residents who deal with these parking problems every day.”
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