PAN Madeira, in the face of yesterday’s announcement of the access prohibition of Rent-a-Cars to Pico do Areeiro, fears that this, as a measure, does not solve the problem, but only camouflages it.
Thus, and taking into account the growing problem of access to the area and the urgent resolution of the problem, PAN Madeira intends that access be made by registration/advance booking, through a digital platform that guarantees, for a given day, access to a vehicle at a certain time with the area being controlled and gated.
PAN Madeira understands that this obligation would put Madeira on a par with some of the most emblematic destinations in the world that, by conditioning access, are effectively protecting and managing it in such a way that locals, and everyone else, can enjoy them safely.
With the necessary digitization of services, with funds from the RRP and the Environmental Fund, the party believes it is possible to operationalize an ‘APP’ for mobile phones and a website where, for a certain day and time, access can be reserved.
“A QR code would then be generated that could be fed into an electronic consul which opens and closes the gates. In cases where a certain desired day is not available, the Regional Government would have a golden opportunity to advertise alternatives in a pop-up format, ensuring that the island’s diverse points of interest are downloaded to the tourist.
The political party says that this measure was discussed in its electoral programme of September 2023 and that it would be an objective to be implemented during the legislature. Furthermore, more work is needed to preserve the island’s diverse and fragile ecosystems and that to sustain nature and protect visitors controls have to be put in place.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
