Andorra Tackles Shop Queue Overcrowding on Pavements

Andorra la Vella's local council has begun addressing overcrowding on pavements caused by long queues outside popular shops, starting with meetings this week involving businesses like the Creperia de la Rotonda at a busy roundabout.

Councillor for Circulation and Parking Xavier Surana met with the manager of one affected establishment to establish priorities. Temporary measures, such as installing chains to guide queues and ensure pedestrian access, are already in place. The business owner is cooperating, with council leader Sergi González noting the joint efforts are yielding results. "The pavement belongs to everyone, and citizens must be able to pass through without any issues," González said during a press conference following a council meeting.

The council plans to vote on amendments to public space regulations at its next session, before year's end. These would require high-footfall shops—particularly those driven by social media influencers and viral trends—to implement queue management plans. Sanctions would apply for non-compliance, but only to businesses where customer volumes disrupt public areas, not all retailers. Surana emphasised this is not an isolated issue, as several outlets generate congestion affecting both pedestrians and traffic.

The measures aim to prevent pedestrians from spilling onto roads during peak times, such as the high season, when algorithms and social media draw large crowds to influencer-backed spots.

In related public space updates, bars and restaurants along the upper stretch of Passeig del Riu, beyond Pont de París, will receive a 50% terrace fee discount from January 1 if they unify aesthetics under new rules. This includes black parasols and furniture, rubber feet on tables and chairs to reduce noise, and positioning to maintain clear pedestrian paths.

Separately, residents near Carrer Prat Primer, close to Fener and Prada Ramon, have complained about the area becoming a constant loading zone for delivery vehicles, creating noise, tension, and navigation difficulties. The council described this as a temporary fix due to national bus line rearrangements, which eliminated a loading bay on Carrer Maria Pla and required pavement adjustments for bus turns. Two motorcycle parking spots were also removed, with one reinstated and the other pending. Officials noted goods must still reach shops, especially during busy periods like Christmas, but plan to restore urban features like bins and benches afterward.