The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and the Mahon City Council have set aside 5,000 square metres on the Levante and Poniente quay road at the Port of Mahon for pedestrians and outdoor cafés and restaurants. The aim is to extend the space available for pedestrians to enjoy a stroll, as well as to revitalise business at the cafés and restaurants at the Port of Mahon.

This morning, the APB Chairman, Joan Gual de Torrella, and the Mayor of Mahon, Héctor Pons, presented the details of this project, which will be implemented from today onwards in the stretch between Costa de Corea and Costa de Ses Voltes (Rochina).

The road will become one-way from east to west in this area. The removal of one lane will provide extra space for outdoor cafés and restaurants, as well as for pedestrians.

Sustainable traffic

The APB is taking this measure, in agreement with the Town Council, within the framework of the Mahon Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, approved in December 2019. This Plan envisages a series of changes in road directions in order to divert traffic away from the most congested areas in the city and move towards more rational and sustainable mobility.

Despite the one-way traffic limitation, the number of car parking spaces at the port is being maintained, with 15 spaces being moved to the Costa de Corea. In addition, 80 new parking spaces for motorcycles and bicycles are being created, and vehicles will still be able to park at the cruise ship passenger terminal, which has space for up to 200 vehicles.

Ports and COVID-19

During the state of alarm and with the beginning of the different phases of the transition to the new normality, it has become clear that the ports managed by the APB are a point of reference for the cities' residents.

This fact has been demonstrated by the large numbers of people who have used the port areas during this period and who continue to use them to do sport, go for a walk or sit at the outdoor cafés and restaurants located in these areas. The APB has also launched similar initiatives, such as the one unveiled today in the Port of Mahon, in the ports of Ibiza and Palma, in coordination with their local councils.