A technical report produced by Torrox Council has highlighted the need for improved security measures in Plaza de la Constitución following two accidents in the past four months involving cars hitting customers on bar terraces.
The report states that since the area is set up to accommodate both pedestrian and vehicular access, measures must be taken to ensure a smooth, safe and orderly passage of both through the square. The report states that signalling is a fundamental necessity to achieve this objective.
It is difficult to see, however, how signs will prevent a driver losing control of his vehicle, as happened in the most recent incident.
More substantially, the report recommends the installation of bollards and other shock resistent elements for the protection of pedestrians.
When areas are redesigned to allow maximum unhindered movement and access for pedestrians yet still allow vehicular access, and this happens in many towns, it is almost inevitable that accidents will occur. These areas are generally touted as ‘pedestrianised’, yet vehicular access of one sort or another is still permitted, either all the time or at specific times.
The work on the square was carried out under the mandate of the previous municipal government although the current administration is still facing a claim from the construction company to the tune of 144,000 euros.