On 9 October 2026, the Government of the Canary Islands presented the fourth phase of its plan to reduce traffic noise along major roads. The draft plan for 2023 to 2027 identifies 53 priority areas where measures are to be introduced first. According to the authorities, the analysis currently models a reduction in noise pollution of about 26 per cent, bringing the islands closer to the European target of a 30 per cent reduction by 2030.
The responsible authority is the Consejería de Obras Públicas, Vivienda y Movilidad, led by the Dirección General de Infraestructura Viaria. During this phase, the department also took over responsibility for the strategic noise maps for the first time. These maps show the population’s exposure and help set priorities for interventions.
As a current step, the government has opened the public consultation process. The first public meeting took place on 8 October 2026 on Gran Canaria and a second on 9 October 2026 on Tenerife in the hall of the Edificio de Usos Múltiples I. Interested members of the public were able to view the draft plan, submit comments and make suggestions. This will be followed by provisional approval and then a period of public consultation, with submissions to be assessed. Once finally approved, the plan will be sent to the European Commission.
The administration describes this approach as a shift from diagnosis to concrete measures, clearly prioritised. These include technical noise barriers, traffic-management changes in built-up areas, speed-related measures and solutions that take account of the complex topography of many corridors. Specific locations, timetables and funding for measures will be set out in the final document after the consultation process has ended.
The figure of around 26 per cent is a scenario calculation based on current planning assumptions, not an impact already achieved. The director of the road infrastructure authority, Rosana Melián, stressed the importance of noise protection for quality of life and health, as well as the involvement of local authorities and the public.
The timetable and process have now been outlined: presentation of the fourth phase on 9 October 2026, and the start of public consultation with meetings on 8 and 9 October 2026. Reliable information on investment totals, the selection of individual corridors and implementation deadlines is still unavailable and is expected to follow in the final version of the plan. The programme’s official title is Plan de Acción contra el Ruido.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).