Brits in Tenerife face new restrictions as Canary hotspot plans rule change

Authorities in Tenerife are set to introduce time restrictions for private cars to the island's popular Teide National Park. Following the change, access at certain times would be reserved for just buses and coaches, as officials want to regulate tourist flows to the beauty spot.

The impending rule change is part of the new Master Plan for Use and Management currently being finalised by local politicians. José Miguel Ruano of the Tenerife Cabildo stressed that the rule change was "not a total ban on private vehicles". He explained: "There will be specific time slots when all mobility will take place by bus, and others when this will not be the case."

Authorities are keen to address overcrowding and environmental pressures in one of Spain's most visited natural spaces, while still guaranteeing public access.

The plan also seeks to provide protections for traditional activities such as beekeeping, as well as improving access for cyclists.

Officials from the Cabildo and Canary Islands government have been working on the document for over a year-and-a-half. The proposals contained in the new plan will be discussed on September 29 by the Teide National Park's board of trustees.

A previous rough draft prepared under the former regional Councillor for Ecological Transition - José Antonio Valbuena - was rejected.

It was viewed as effectively blocking all vehicle access to the national park, which would have damaged the tourism industry.

Ruano said the revised plan represents "a clear improvement," creating a sustainable mobility framework with transitional measures and longer-term strategies to be set by the Cabildo.

A final decision by the Canary Islands' government on the new rules is expected before December. If passed by officials, visitors may face significant changes to when and how they can visit , with greater emphasis being placed on shuttle buses during peak hours.

The proposed new rules governing vehicles access to the park are not the only changes local authorities are introducing.

As of next year, tourists will have to pay an eco-tax to gain entry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to Mount Teide, Spain's tallest mountain at 3,715m above sea level.