Escaldes-Engordany Launches Pilot Parking and Free Shuttle to Ease Engolasters Traffic

Escaldes-Engordany is launching a pilot parking area at Pradràs near the Font de la Closa picnic site, paired with a free shuttle bus to upper Engolasters, from July 4 to September 7.

The measure seeks to streamline traffic, bolster safety, and safeguard the environment in this busy summer destination. Once the Camp del Serrat lot reaches capacity, drivers must use the new facility, as roadside parking along the narrow mountain road will be prohibited. Comú major Rosa Gili highlighted the risks of vehicles lining both sides of the road. "It cannot be that cars are parked on the right and left on a narrow mountain road, with the danger that entails," she said.

The council has leased and conditioned about 4,500 square metres of land for around 100 vehicles, at an annual cost of €18,000, plus €20,000 for the shuttle service. Both the parking and daily 9am-to-6pm bus will be free. Officials will also designate space for buses, install information points at Camp del Serrat and Pradràs, and add a food truck at the new site to serve visitors.

Gili stressed that high visitor numbers overwhelm the existing lot, prompting the extra capacity. The council plans to evaluate the pilot's performance at summer's end to assess its success and consider improvements.