Ports Authority to decide on truck ban

PALMA
PALMA Council hopes to restrict the use of the Paseo Marítimo by heavy goods vehicles by the summer. But the plan depends on the council reaching a deal with the Ports Authority.

The Transport Councillor, Joaquín Rodríquez, hopes to reach deals with the other public authorities with stakes in the new traffic plan for the Paseo Marítimo, the Ports Authority and Council of Majorca, in the coming months.

And while his preference would be to begin phasing in the new restrictions on heavy goods vehicles in the summer, he concedes that it is more likely to begin towards the end of the year.

Rodríquez is scheduled to meet the Island Council's Director of Roads, Gonzalo Aguiar, to deal with the issue of traffic in the Paseo Marítimo area on April 9.

The most viable option at the moment would see trucks of heavy tonnage that arrive at Moll Vell and Dic de L'Oest directed away from the Paseo Marítimo onto the Via Cintura.

However, heavy trucks that arrive at Peraires would have to use a small portion of the Paseo Marítimo before being directed onto the ring road.
Vans and lighter trucks would continue to be allowed using the Paseo Marítimo.
Agreement between the three authorities is essential before any plan can be put forward.
The Ports Authority has responsibility for signalling the changes.
The Council of Majorca will be responsible for the areas at either end of the Paseo Marítimo - Porto Pí and the Autovia de Levant.
Palma Council, meanwhile, will be responsible for regulating traffic on the Paseo Marítimo, putting together plans for a shuttle bus service, creating a specific lane for public transport and changing the parking layout.

The council has already held talks with other interested parties, such as taxi associations, car hire firms, hotel owners, traders and residents.
Another measure being considered for the Paseo Marítimo are the removal of the central reservation.
The council believes that not only will there be a greater flow of traffic if the heaviest vehicles are removed from the Paseo Marítimo but that it will increase the safety of other road users and pedestrians walking beside the road.