The association of small and medium enterprises of San Pedro Alcántara (Apymespa) demands discounts on the AP-7, the coastal train, and improvements on the A-397 to end daily traffic jams.
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises of San Pedro (Apymespa) has raised its voice to demand a comprehensive mobility plan to put an end to the chronic traffic jams suffered by drivers on the Costa del Sol. The business group, which represents shops and businesses in San Pedro Alcántara, one of the towns most affected by traffic problems, is calling for concrete measures from public administrations.
Among the main demands is the request for discounts for residents, self-employed workers, small business owners, and professional vehicles using the AP-7 motorway. Apymespa proposes an "affordable" flat rate throughout the year, which would help to decongest the free A-7 road, which is congested daily.
According to the association's calculations, a vehicle making 22 work trips a month between Málaga and Guadiaro on the AP-7 pays around 860 euros. In the case of trips from San Pedro to Marbella or Estepona, the monthly cost is around 160 euros. "The motorway could help to decongest the free road, but its price limits usage," Apymespa states.
The San Pedro association also demands the "definitive construction" of the coastal train or a railway alternative that connects Málaga and the airport with the Cádiz region of Campo de Gibraltar. This infrastructure is considered "essential" to structure the territory and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
Another request is for improvements to the A-397 road, which connects San Pedro with the Serranía de Ronda. Additionally, Apymespa requests "better joint use" of the airports of Málaga and Gibraltar, following the removal of the fence between The Rock and La Línea de la Concepción.
The business group also proposes studying the feasibility of establishing passenger maritime connections between the Costa del Sol and Campo de Gibraltar as a complementary measure to relieve pressure on the roads.
"The Costa del Sol needs immediate measures to alleviate traffic jams and ambitious planning to prevent us from still debating the same problems in ten or twenty years. All administrations have a part of the solution and must agree on a common roadmap now," warns Apymespa.
The association laments the "daily traffic jams" occurring on the A-7 motorway, especially in the sections that cross San Pedro Alcántara, and considers the situation unsustainable for the economic activity of the area. Business owners insist that mobility is a key factor for the competitiveness of the local productive fabric.
Apymespa urges the administrations responsible for mobility to develop a comprehensive plan that includes concrete actions, funding, and a timetable for the execution of works, and that involves the participation of local business entities. Furthermore, they propose that the measures be complemented by strengthening intercity buses, constructing park-and-ride facilities, and creating a real-time traffic information system.
For the residents of San Pedro Alcántara, the situation is particularly serious. Many workers and residents must endure long delays every day to get to their jobs or to carry out basic errands. The lack of viable alternatives to the car means that traffic jams are a constant, especially during peak hours.
The demand for a coastal train is not new. For years, various social and business groups have called for a railway connection that links Málaga with Campo de Gibraltar, passing through the Costa del Sol. However, projects have been delayed without a clear execution date. Apymespa insists that it is time to move from promises to action.
Regarding the AP-7, the association believes that an affordable flat rate could encourage its use and reduce traffic on the A-7, improving flow and reducing travel times. The proposal includes specific discounts for the most affected groups, such as self-employed workers and small business owners who rely on vehicles to carry out their activities.
Improving the A-397, which connects San Pedro with Ronda, is another priority. This road is essential for tourism and communication between the coast and the interior, but its current state hinders travel and creates road safety issues.
Finally, the joint use of the airports of Málaga and Gibraltar, following the removal of the fence, opens new opportunities for mobility and economic development in the region. Apymespa calls for coordination of airport infrastructures to offer more options to travelers and reduce congestion on access roads.
The business association hopes that the administrations will respond to their demands and sit down to dialogue to seek consensual solutions. Meanwhile, drivers in San Pedro and throughout the Costa del Sol will continue to suffer daily traffic jams, waiting for promises to become realities.
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