The Lanzarote and La Graciosa Council has approved a motion from Coalición Canaria aimed at making parking spaces for individuals with reduced mobility free across the island’s seven municipalities.
The initiative seeks to establish a uniform approach to municipal tax regulations by eliminating fees associated with reserving spaces, occupying public land, and the necessary signage installation.
Marci Acuña, the Councillor for Social Welfare and Inclusion, emphasised the need for accessibility to take precedence over administrative differences between municipalities. “We must ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can exercise their rights equally, regardless of where they live,” he stated.
Acuña further clarified that the aim is not to grant privileges but to enable many to travel more freely, access their homes, and lead daily lives with greater autonomy and safety. He stressed, “If we can remove an economic barrier, we must do it.”
The council also agreed to create a review of the existing public parking spaces designated for those with reduced mobility to assess their compliance with current regulations.
Additionally, the motion calls on all seven councils to coordinate and streamline their tax regulations concerning designated spaces linked to the residency or workplace of beneficiaries.
It also promotes a total exemption from costs for eligible individuals with reduced mobility, covering the reserve process, public space occupation, and signage.
Acuña noted that the successful implementation of the initiative relies on collaboration with the councils, as local authorities are responsible for adapting their regulations.
“We want Lanzarote to progress towards a more coordinated accessibility model, where administrations work together and where individuals do not face economic or administrative obstacles to exercise basic rights,” he concluded.
The council will also provide technical and legal assistance to councils seeking to modify their tax regulations, facilitating the rollout of these measures across the island.
