Motorhomes will no longer be able to park in the open area in front of the Muleta refuge in Port de Soller, which is part of the Consell's network. For some time, motorhome enthusiasts had discovered this privileged viewpoint offering spectacular sunset views—a freely accessible spot located directly in front of the refuge and just beyond Muleta lighthouse—which quickly gained popularity among this type of traveller.
The presence of motorhomes in this area had generated numerous complaints from local residents, as they occasionally occupied all available parking space and hindered access to the Consell's facility.
Since the road leading to the lighthouse falls under insular jurisdiction, the Consell installed a height restriction barrier on Thursday along with a sign prohibiting vehicles exceeding 1.90 metres in height. The upper section of the barrier is retractable to allow certain taller vehicles to pass through when necessary, including emergency or supply vehicles.
Traffic regulations and creative solutions
It's worth noting that traffic regulations prevent explicitly banning these types of vehicles, which is why some administrations have opted to restrict height or width, effectively preventing motorhomes from entering certain areas.
The Consell's initiative was duly notified to the local Town Hall. According to Carlos Darder, Councillor for Governance, they were informed "as a courtesy, since the barrier is located in an area under their jurisdiction, although we don't oppose it, as the installation of motorhomes made it difficult for residents to access this area and park to enjoy the landscape for a while."
Future concerns and additional measures
Darder believes that following the Consell's action, "motorhomes will likely seek other locations to park, which means we'll eventually need to take similar measures in areas under municipal jurisdiction as well."
One spot where motorhomes are frequently found is along Camí dels Cingles. In this case, it's a public road, and the Town Hall is considering blocking vehicle access, primarily because it's one of the few places where emergency teams and vehicles can access the coast, making it essential that the road remains clear at all times.