The PSOE of Lanzarote has expressed its deep concern about the refusal of the president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, to implement "an effective regulation" on tourist taxis on the island of La Graciosa. The socialists have pointed out that this lack of action is seriously endangering the environmental values and the quality of life of the residents of the island, and they have defended this in a motion presented in the last plenary session.
Ariagona González, spokesperson for the Socialist Group of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, has pointed out that the balance is “increasingly in danger in La Graciosa due to the growing tourist pressure. During the summer months, the island receives up to 428 tourists per inhabitant, which has unleashed an uncontrolled proliferation of tourist taxis that operate without any regulation, something that outrages the local population and the drivers of these vehicles themselves. According to complaints from the taxi drivers themselves, the number of vehicles has increased from 15 to more than 50, which is seriously affecting the environment of the island and the quality of life of its inhabitants”, González warned.
During the last legislature, the Government of the Canary Islands approved the Plan for the Management of Natural Resources (PORN) of the Chinijo Archipelago, and the PSOE considers that the current legislature is the opportunity to advance in the approval of the Rector Plan for Use and Management (PRUG), which must include a strict regulation of the activity of tourist taxis.
“The PRUG must establish a clear limit on the number of vehicles that can operate on the island, as well as the necessary conditions to guarantee the compatibility of this activity with the preservation of the natural environment and the well-being of the residents”, said the spokesperson for the Socialist Group.
“Oswaldo Betancort continues to look the other way while La Graciosa is overwhelmed by an uncontrolled tourist activity that threatens its natural heritage and the quality of life of its inhabitants”, added González, stressing that “the Cabildo of Lanzarote must assume its responsibility and implement as soon as possible the necessary measures to protect the environmental values of La Graciosa and guarantee a balanced coexistence between tourism and local life”.
