The bridge was built in the 18th century and is one of the city's most visited landmarks.
21:15, Mon, Nov 4, 2024 | UPDATED: 21:15, Mon, Nov 4, 2024
Ronda is to regulate which motorists can use its historic bridge (Image: Getty)
A beautiful mountaintop city in Spain is banning drivers who don't reside and pay taxes locally from using its stunning bridge.
Starting in January 2025, only vehicles registered and taxed in Ronda will be allowed to use the famous Puente Nuevo bridge, according to an announcement from the city’s town hall.
The measure will aim to cut traffic in half on the bridge, which currently sees up to 7,000 vehicles a day.
Mayor María de la Paz Fernández said: "This is a very necessary move for the here and now.
"We are all aware of the accumulation of vehicles that pass over this link road; we have to regulate it and take measures."
Only vehicles registered and taxed in Ronda will be allowed to use the bridge. (Image: Getty)
She added: "This measure does not harm the people of Ronda. There are almost 28,000 vehicles registered in the town."
The mayor also stressed that the announcement was made well in advance to give residents time to make any necessary adjustments.
"This provides a margin for people who live in Ronda but do not have their vehicle registered here to make changes," she said.
The restriction will be enforced using camera surveillance and alternative routes for visitors will be clearly signposted.
The measure will aim to cut traffic in half on the bridge. (Image: Getty)
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Tourists staying overnight will need to inform the local police ahead of time to gain vehicle access.
Ronda has attempted to reduce traffic on the Puente Nuevo bridge for years.
A previous administration imposed partial restrictions, but these were met with protests.
Residents formed a local lobby group and organised demonstrations demanding an alternative before any restrictions were put in place.
The current council promised to construct an alternative road to help residents travel from one side of the town to the other without needing to use the bridge.
The town is split by the Tajo gorge, which makes the bridge an important connection point.
The Puente Nuevo was built in the 18th century and is one of Ronda’s most visited landmarks.
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