The Formentera Department of Mobility reports that this July, as local government reactivated its scheme to keep track of how many vehicles are brought and driven on the island, the programme logged on average 18,322 vehicles with accreditation on any given day. The figure marks a six per cent drop compared to 2019, when the average daily total was 19,532.

Describing summer 2020 as “atypical” —the current holiday season began at the end of June— mobility conseller Rafael González welcomed the news. He pointed out the island was still shy of its established summer limit and remained on track to reach sustainability objectives. “When the public health crisis first erupted we made projections for the months ahead, and we’re surpassing those initial projections”, the conseller said.

“To date there have been no incidents nor corrections to speak of”, he affirmed before applauding the collaboration of ferry companies and rent-a-car firms.

Figures from month one of regulation:

Visiting motorists / compact cars 1,891
Visiting motorists / motor-scooters 195

Eivissa residents / compact cars 199
Eivissa residents / motor-scooters 20

Rented compact cars 2,481
Rented motor-scooters 6,720

Formentera resident vehicles: 5,723
Other vehicles: 1,093

Total: 18,322

In 2020 the total number of permits under formentera.eco is capped at 21,487—four per cent fewer than last year, when the ceiling was set at 22,382.

González highlighted the “calculated and gradual” course charted earlier in the term to cut total vehicles by 16% in four years, or 4% fewer cars every year. “Our end-game hasn’t changed in that respect”, confided González, “we don’t want the public health crisis to jeopardise the model of sustainability that we’ve worked years to get to”.

Full rebates
Fees associated with formentera.eco are being waived this summer in an effort to offset this year’s unusual circumstances, meaning motorists pay nothing to drive on the island. Drivers without accreditation can get it at www.formentera.eco.

Controlling vehicle plate numbers
Accreditation will continue to be verified by a reader that scans number plates as cars enter and exit the island in La Savina. Individuals without the necessary accreditation will face fines of between €1,000 and €10,000.

6 August 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

Sacred geometry, starry skies and nocturnal seascapes . . . these are the inhabitants of Eba Marí Guaita’s universe, which the Valencia-born and Formentera-based artist channels in an exhibit due to take up residence tomorrow at Centre Antoni Tur ‘Gabrielet’ and set to stay until Saturday the 15th.

Through paintings in acrylic and resin, the artist reveals an inner world that is both hers alone and communal, and replete with symbolism. After a vernissage at 7.00pm on 6 August, En paral·lel al cel will be open to the public Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 6.00pm.

5 August 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera