Night Access Restrictions at Teide National Park for Perseids and Solar Eclipse
Tenerife’s Cabildo will implement a traffic management operation for Teide National Park and the surrounding forest crown on 12 and 13 August. This coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and a total solar eclipse.
Natural Environment Councillor Blanca Pérez has stated that the aim is to ensure the safety of the thousands expected to visit and to protect the island’s sensitive natural spaces.
The traffic regulation will run from 5pm to 5am the following day, leveraging a well-tested dynamic access control system.
Four access checkpoints will be established at La Orotava (TF-21), La Esperanza (TF-24), Chío (TF-38), and Vilaflor (TF-21). Information points will also be set up in Chío, La Esperanza, La Orotava, and Arafo to guide drivers on restrictions and alternative routes.
Roads previously saw over 2,000 vehicles during peak times for the Perseids, leading to traffic jams and parking issues. Traffic Councillor Dámaso Arteaga noted that such congestion poses risks to pedestrians and complicates emergency evacuations during potential forest fires.
The measures aim to:
- Ensure public safety.
- Preserve the natural values of the park.
- Prevent traffic congestion.
- Enable quick evacuations if necessary.
During the regulation hours, only specific vehicles, including freight transport, public transport, authorised personnel, and residents of on-site accommodations will be allowed access. Private vehicles will be restricted.
Public Transport Encouraged
To mitigate reliance on private vehicles, Mobility Councillor Eulalia García announced that TITSA will operate extra bus services from La Orotava, La Esperanza, and Vilaflor between 7:30pm and 2:30am, facilitating access to the national park during the two evenings.
García encourages the public to use collective transport for a more comfortable and secure experience of these astronomical events.
Coordinated Operation
The operation will involve various agencies, including Roads, the National Park, Security and Civil Protection, Fire Services, and local police, coordinated by the Road Information Centre and CECOPIN.
The Cabildo emphasises that the operation will not completely close roads but will involve a temporary and dynamic regulation of access to ensure both safety and conservation during what promises to be a busy two days for visitors.
