Menorca car cap clears first hurdle

Menorca is moving towards a cap on vehicles arriving on the island and staying there next summer. The Balearic Parliament in Palma backed the first stage of the legal change on Tuesday, 22 September. Every group voted in favour apart from Vox, which abstained.

Europa Press

The amendment to the Menorca Biosphere Reserve law now goes through parliamentary scrutiny. It would allow the Island Council of Menorca to set a maximum number of vehicles and restrict their entry and stay during set periods.

Island Council would set the limit

The Island Council would decide the cap each year or every two years, as well as the periods when the rules apply. PP deputy Jordi López said the final number should come from studies, the island’s carrying capacity and technical criteria rather than a figure fixed in advance.

Backers say the change will support public transport and a more sustainable way of getting around. Unidas Podemos deputy José María García called for greater investment in public transport, saying fewer cars in summer mattered as much as giving people an alternative to using a car.

Residents and key services would be exempt

Vehicles owned by people registered as living on Menorca would not face the entry and stay limits. Non-resident owners of a home on the island could also bring one vehicle for each property.

The exemption would also cover people who need to travel to Menorca for work and people with reduced mobility. Official and public-service vehicles, emergency services, public and school transport, taxis, goods and delivery vehicles, plus industrial, livestock and agricultural machinery and vehicles, would also be outside the scheme.

Més per Menorca spokesman Josep Castells wants the shortest possible parliamentary route so the law can be passed before the end of the year. Socialist deputy Marc Pons said he would oppose that, arguing the bill should follow the normal process.

Menorca car cap clears first hurdle for next summer

Island Council would set the limit

Residents and key services would be exempt