Residents in Mallorca’s municipalities such as Sóller and Manacor are increasingly forced to leave home an hour earlier than usual to reach their workplaces in Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands.

This situation has persisted for several months, as thousands of vehicles congest the entry and exit points of the city daily.

Reports highlight that the traffic peaks in the early morning and mid-morning when ferries transport tourists and their vehicles from the mainland to the islands.

According to a capacity study commissioned by the Consell de Mallorca in October 2024, there are currently 122,000 excess vehicles on the largest island of the archipelago.

This mobility issue extends throughout the archipelago, prompting some local councils to take significant measures to mitigate the chaos.

Formentera, the smallest island, was the first to enact restrictions in 2019, limiting the entry of non-resident vehicles and imposing a fee for those permitted to enter.

Miquel Camps, a spokesperson for the environmental platform GOB Menorca, noted that this approach has encouraged tourists to extend their stays and space out their activities, thereby alleviating road congestion.

In late 2022, the Consell de Ibiza decided to adopt similar measures, marking a historic first for the island.

From June 1 to September 30, only 20,000 non-resident vehicles will be allowed to enter Ibiza, in addition to those registered as residents.

This initiative has received support from local community and environmental organizations and is viewed with anticipation by stakeholders in Menorca.

Camps stressed the urgent need for action in Menorca, where overcrowding is reported to reach 30%, asserting that the island's condition has worsened compared to Formentera at the time of its regulatory changes.

The newly approved Menorca Biosphere Reserve Law in 2023 was the product of significant advocacy, following a three-year negotiation period hindered by political changes within the island’s government.

However, local authorities in Menorca have yet to announce a clear action plan, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.

The overcapacity on Menorca has manifested in public complaints, as vehicular access to key tourist spots like the Punta Nati and Fàvaritx lighthouses had to be restricted due to overwhelming visitor numbers.

The frustration of residents was evident during a demonstration in Mahón, where locals demanded decisive action from the insular administration.

Although the local mobility minister indicated forthcoming regulations, he dismissed the notion of implementing changes during the current season.

In Mallorca, a report by the Consell suggested limiting vehicle access and imposing fees.

However, the Sos Sóller platform has voiced concerns over inaction, highlighting frustration with political leaders’ reluctance to consider necessary restrictions.

The 2023 figures showed that 324,623 vehicles entered Mallorca, a staggering 108% increase from 2017’s record of 156,413 vehicles, accounting for 35-40% of the resident vehicle population.

Although the Consell de Mallorca is contemplating actions, no definitive measures have been decided yet.

Mobility issues were a focal point during a presidential meeting in Ibiza attended by regional leadership, including Marga Prohens, president of the Balearic Government.

Prohens announced a €30 million package aimed at various road improvements across the four islands, expressing frustration over the regional government assuming responsibilities that fall outside its jurisdiction.

Critics, including Jaume Alzamora of the Més party, have expressed concern that expanding road infrastructure may exacerbate reliance on private transport.

Alzamora noted that current infrastructure plans are inconsistent with sustainable development goals outlined in the Consell report, suggesting a divergence from comprehensive traffic management.

Bartú Miró from Sos Sóller commented on the extreme traffic conditions in local areas, describing daily travel times that can range dramatically from 30 minutes to three hours, exacerbated by unpredictable traffic flows linked to tourist behavior.

The persistent congestion creates challenges not only for daily commuters but also for local residents who find their community impacted by surges in vehicle numbers.