What exactly is in the mobility plan?

The PIMSIT is a planning instrument for the next two decades. It includes 92 measures and envisages investment of 5.097 billion euros by 2035, as Atlántico Hoy reported on 23 September 2026.

One of the measures is called "peajes urbanos y tarifas por congestión". According to Atlántico Hoy, a system of congestion charges on Tenerife's main interurban roads is to be examined.

Specifically, the measure names the approaches to Santa Cruz de Tenerife via the TF-1, to La Laguna via the TF-5 and TF-2, and the south of the island on the TF-1 between San Isidro and the tourist zone of Adeje and Arona.

When could a toll be introduced?

The calendar set out in the plan names the years 2032 to 2033 for introduction. The budget is given as 10 million euros, of which 4.5 million from the Gobierno de Canarias and 5.5 million from the Cabildo, according to Atlántico Hoy.

There is therefore no concrete start date. The plan describes a possible time horizon, not an agreed introduction.

Before any application, the plan envisages campaigns and public consultations. The aim is for citizens to understand how they would be affected and what protective measures are planned.

Why is a toll currently not legally possible?

The PIMSIT itself acknowledges, according to Atlántico Hoy, that current legislation in the Canary Islands does not allow a charge for road use. Article 22 of the Ley de Carreteras de Canarias of 1991 states: "Cada carretera será explotada directamente por su titular y su utilización será gratuita".

For a toll to be introduced, the Parlamento de Canarias would have to amend this law. The plan therefore proposes promoting a legislative change in cooperation with the Gobierno de Canarias and the Parliament.

The idea of handing lanes over to a private company for management also comes up against the same legal limit, according to Atlántico Hoy.

How would the system work?

The model envisages, according to Atlántico Hoy, higher tariffs during peak hours and discounts or exemptions at times of lower demand. Adjustment according to income as well as place of residence or work is also provided for.

Collection would be electronic. The revenue is intended to flow into public transport and infrastructure for active mobility.

Administration would lie with the Consorcio Insular de Movilidad, a body that the PIMSIT intends to create between 2026 and 2027.

How strong is the opposition?

The PIMSIT rates the risk of "rechazo de interesados" at 10 out of 10 points, the highest score. Political feasibility stands at 2 out of 5, as Atlántico Hoy reports.

Within the nine measures to limit car traffic, the toll charges rank fifth in prioritisation. They are, however, the only measure with the maximum rejection score.

The plan's alternatives volume describes the problematic acceptance as the "principal escollo". It could deter political decision-makers from implementing the measure.

What does this mean for drivers today?

For residents, expats and visitors, nothing changes at present. There is no new payment obligation, no application and no new registration.

The TF-1 and TF-5 remain toll-free motorways. There is also no published tariff and no access restriction for rental car customers.

The plan provides for other measures, such as third lanes on sections of the TF-1 and TF-5, BUS-HOV lanes, park-and-ride facilities and tram projects. These are also plans, not immediate construction sites.