Canarias has surpassed two million registered vehicles, a significant milestone that highlights an alarming trend: more cars than residents in the archipelago. According to the latest figures from the Canary Islands Statistics Institute (ISTAC) and the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), the total vehicle count, which includes cars, motorcycles, vans, and industrial vehicles, has reached 2,012,450. This figure exceeds the total number of vehicles registered in countries like Uruguay (1.5 million) and Croatia (1.8 million) and is nearly equal to Denmark’s total fleet, despite the latter having a population of almost six million.
The consequences are evident with daily traffic jams and an increasing number of accidents. Photos emerging from bridges in the region portray crowded roads and busy intersections, raising concerns about the situation, especially as the new school year has yet to begin.
As reported by Diario de Avisos, the rise in vehicle registrations reflects a post-pandemic trend and the substantial impact of rental car fleets. The average density stands at over 830 vehicles per 1,000 residents, placing Canarias among the most congested areas in Europe.
Historically, the movement has been slow to shift towards public transport. Despite the introduction of free bus and tram services in 2023, public transport accounts for only one in ten motorised trips in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The geography, lack of railway alternatives, and strong tourist demand are driving the continuous rise in private vehicle ownership. In Tenerife alone, over 792,000 vehicles are registered for a population of 950,000.
