Marbella Street in La Cala de Mijas becomes pedestrianized, dividing opinions among traders

Opinions are divided among business owners in the Marbella street area in La Cala de Mijas regarding the decision by the City Council to pedestrianize the street during the months of July and August from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM. While some support it, the majority are indifferent about its impact, and some complain that the area has become isolated and that commercial activity has decreased, according to testimonies gathered by SUR.

Most merchants agree that the pedestrianization does not have a negative impact. "Business is more or less the same as before," they agree. However, some business owners claim that it is causing them "great commercial harm."

Complaints focus on the impact the measure has on traffic. "The Butibamba-Butiplaya area has become isolated, and our customers tell us that they have no choice but to return to the highway and make a U-turn at Torrenueva," says one business owner. "The solution—continues—is on Estepona street, but this route is not signposted and only locals know it." Indeed, the barrier that blocks access to Marbella street from 8:00 PM announces Estepona street as an "alternative route," although those unfamiliar with the area will not know where to go.

Better Signposted Alternative Route

The Mijas Neighbors Association has been very critical of the pedestrianization. However, the organization has met with the Councilor for Citizen Security, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, and has expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

According to the neighbors' association, the councilor has committed to placing "another informative sign on the sidewalk so that vehicles that find Marbella street closed upon returning through the roundabout will face this sign" and can head to Estepona street. "We will be very attentive to see if the measure is effective," the entity remarked, thanking the councilor for his willingness.