The Parliament of the Canary Islands on 11 November 2026 accepted the draft of the Ley de Movilidad Sostenible de Canarias for further debate. This decision opens the period in which parliamentary groups can submit amendments; detailed work in the committees will follow.
The draft, prepared by the Consejería de Obras Públicas, Vivienda y Movilidad under the leadership of Pablo Rodríguez, aims to establish a unified regulatory framework for mobility planning across all modes of transport. It integrates road, sea and air transport and emphasises links between modes, accessibility and social inclusion. Transparency, public participation and the digitisation of transport and planning data are embedded as cross-cutting priorities.
At its core is a system of five planning instruments: the Plan Estratégico de Movilidad Sostenible e Inteligente de Canarias, island-wide plans, supra-municipal and municipal plans, and mobility plans for major traffic generators. It also provides for quality and safety standards for infrastructure and services of autonomous interest, as well as a basis for public service obligations and financing principles. A “Laboratorio de la Movilidad” is intended to bring together pilot projects, research and the testing of innovative solutions.
The legislation’s origins date back to the report adopted by the parliamentary transport study committee in plenary in March 2019. Before the text came before Parliament, it was also accompanied by the opinion of the Consejo Consultivo dated 17 September 2026. A Strategic Environmental Assessmentfor the overarching strategy is under way; its public consultation was announced on 24 September 2026 in the Boletín Oficial de Canarias During the drafting process, there were, among other things, public consultation and consultation rounds with municipalities and island authorities; the Cabildos insulares contributed their expertise.
The forthcoming amendment rounds are likely to focus on the design of financing, the interpretation of obligations to ensure public services, intermodal hubs and possible effects on existing fare models. The division of powers between the regional government, Cabildos insulares and municipalities, as well as decisions on future infrastructure projects, will remain politically sensitive. After the amendment deadline, the committees will consider the proposals, followed by plenary votes on the amendments and the final text of the law.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).