Locals in Spain who hate tourists spark traffic chaos with protests on zebra crossings

By Conor Wilson, News Reporter

The village has followed big cities across the country that have protested against impact of tourism (file picture) (Image: Getty)

Furious locals protesting against too many tourists in a northwestern Spanish village ended up causing a huge traffic jam after blocking a zebra crossing. 

The protest in the Spanish village of O Hío is the latest holiday destination to see an anti-tourism demonstration in light of a summer of similar events held across Spain. The latest protest, however, seemed to do more harm than good to the locals themselves. 

Despite that, protesters are standing by their decision. Resident Mercedes Villar told local newspaper La Voz de Galicia: “Traffic problems are already common, but this year they have tripled at least.

“It’s an avalanche of cars that not only pollutes but also affects everyone's lives because they park wherever they want. We have the right to live too.” 

As in most cities where demonstrations have taken place, residents say that they are not against tourism in general, but want authorities to take more action to lessen the industry's impact on their daily lives.

Protests have taken place across Spain to urge authorities to combat the impacts of tourism (file picture) (Image: Getty)

Residents in O Hío claimed that the number of traffic accidents is increasing because many visitors are ignoring traffic rules and parking inconsiderately.

A spokesperson for the residents association claimed that, whilst locals tend to park properly, visitors who flout traffic laws are creating “a situation of insecurity and danger.”

The spokesperson also claimed that anti-social behaviours such as littering were further contributing towards the anger of locals.

Earlier this year, tourists in restaurants in Barcelona were targeted with water pistols (Image: Getty)

Another villager told La Voz: “The protest was meant to raise awareness and sound the alarm. We want people to be civil and understanding and, if they see that there is no parking space, to leave, as we all have to do in any city.”

A second resident claimed that social media has played a significant part in contributing towards the area’s growth.

They said: “This is sold as a beautiful place with no people, but now that is not true.

“Now residents have to avoid the beaches during peak season because they are so busy.

In light of the protest, the local council has invited disgruntled locals to a meeting to discuss their complaints later this month.