Else Beekman
To address the ongoing issue of congestion at the parking area of the popular Las Teresitas Beach, the Santa Cruz City Council has launched a smart parking system that will provide real-time information on parking availability. This initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and enhance the experience for beachgoers.
In former holiday seasons, the popularity of Las Teresitas Beach in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has often led to heavy congestion. In long queues, people had to struggle to find available parking spaces.
Why is Las Teresitas Beach so popular?
Unlike many natural beaches, Las Teresitas is an artificial creation, transformed in the 1970s with golden sand imported from the Sahara Desert and a breakwater to ensure calm waters. Originally a rugged coastline with black volcanic sand and powerful waves, this man-made beach was designed to provide a serene, family-friendly environment. Today, it stands as a unique coastal retreat near Santa Cruz. Beach lovers will find crystal-clear waters, scenic mountain backdrops, and a relaxing atmosphere attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Smart parking
The initial phase of the project involves laying underground cabling, followed by the installation of essential equipment, including cameras, sensors, and digital signs. According to city officials, this smart system will be fully operational by May, with dynamic signage expected to be in place between late February and early March.
Once active, five cameras will monitor vehicle entry and exit. Meanwhile, 75 sensors will track the availability of 1,200 parking spaces, including 120 designated spots for individuals with disabilities. The collected data will be displayed on three strategically placed electronic signs along the seven-kilometre road leading to the beach.
“These panels provide updated information in real-time, which, like a traffic light, will allow drivers to make decisions before reaching their destination, evaluating whether the car park is full, so they can choose alternatives to go to the beach or not. This will result in reducing congestion in the San Andrés area,” explains Kapsch TrafficCom, the company in charge of management.
A proven solution for sustainable mobility
The Santa Cruz City Council has invested €189,000 in this innovative system. The supplier of the system, Kapsch TrafficCom, is a globally recognised company specialising in smart mobility solutions. The company has successfully deployed similar projects in over 50 countries. A comparable initiative in Ibiza has already proven effective in managing beachside parking challenges.
Improving the visitor experience
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez has emphasised the positive impact of this technology. He stated that it will significantly reduce congestion at Las Teresitas, enhance traffic management, and optimise parking efficiency for a more sustainable mobility solution.
Mobility Councillor Evelyn Alonso also highlighted the frequent traffic issues at the beach. These are particularly severe during peak hours and good weather days. Then, over 900 vehicles attempt to access the area. She expressed confidence that this new system will greatly alleviate the problem.
Javier Aguirre, General Director of Kapsch TrafficCom Spain and Portugal, believes that this project will improve traffic conditions. Additionally, it will enhance the overall visitor experience. By providing real-time information, the system allows drivers to plan their trips better, reducing frustration and preventing unnecessary congestion in nearby areas, such as San Andrés.
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