Copyright euroweeklynews
As Mallorca’s roads become increasingly congested each summer, the island’s expat community is closely watching new government plans to limit the number of vehicles entering Mallorca ahead of the 2026 tourist season. Balearic government officials and island council presidents are set to meet in the coming weeks to discuss the introduction of a regional law limiting the number of vehicles entering all islands in the archipelago. The initiative aims to address mounting concerns over traffic congestion, pollution, and sustainability in one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. While Formentera and Ibiza have already implemented their own systems of regulation, the new plan seeks to create an umbrella law covering all the Balearic Islands, ensuring consistency and clarity for both residents and visitors. Mallorca Set to Approve Restrictions In Mallorca, proposals to restrict vehicle arrivals and rental cars are expected to be approved by the Council of Mallorca before the end of 2025, followed by formal approval in the Balearic Parliament in early 2026. Authorities hope to have the new system in place before the start of the 2026 tourism season, giving local institutions and businesses time to adapt. These restrictions would mark a significant shift in how the island manages its transport infrastructure during the high season, when tens of thousands of hire cars flood the roads each summer. Political hurdles However, the initiative faces political challenges. The Partido Popular (PP), which leads both the Balearic government and the Council of Mallorca, will need cross-party backing to pass the legislation. Their coalition partner, Vox, opposes the proposed limits, arguing they could damage tourism and local business. This means the PP must secure the support of opposition parties PSOE and Més per Mallorca, who are expected to demand environmental and social guarantees in return for their votes. If consensus is achieved, the Balearic government aims to establish a legally robust and island-wide system that balances environmental protection with economic interests. Tough fines for violations The draft bill for Mallorca includes a strict penalties framework designed to deter breaches. Individuals found falsifying entry credentials could face fines of up to €10,000. Car-hire companies that fail to report vehicle registration numbers for cars brought to Mallorca could be fined up to €30,000. Additional penalties include the immobilisation of vehicles for up to four months and the revocation of operating authorisations, with a two-year ban on reapplying for permits. These measures underline the government’s determination to ensure compliance and reduce the strain on local infrastructure during peak months. A turning point for island mobility If approved, the Balearic Islands will become one of the few Mediterranean regions to adopt a comprehensive, multi-island vehicle cap, positioning the destination as a leader in sustainable tourism management. The move reflects a growing recognition that preserving the islands’ natural beauty requires balancing accessibility with responsibility – a challenge that will define the next era of tourism across the Balearics.
