Local resident Brigitte and Estepona mayor José María García Urbano. Credit: BVFB
Residents campaigning to ease traffic chaos in Cancelada have managed to get a meeting with the very busy mayor of Estepona, but discovered a solution could take time.
Brigitte Verhoye, who launched a petition calling for changes to a troublesome A-7 access road, met Mayor José María García Urbano on Monday, October 19, to discuss the problem affecting several residential developments.
According to Brigitte’s update to petition supporters, the meeting was constructive, with the mayor confirming that the council supports the proposed changes but faces legal and administrative obstacles.
Why Cancelada residents want road changes
The campaign, organised through the residents’ group La Voz de las Urbanizaciones, calls for a 500-metre stretch of road between Avenida Flor de Loto and the Veritas/Supeco area to become two-way.
Its current one-way arrangement forces drivers heading towards Marbella to make a detour of more than four kilometres, crossing a bridge and passing through Cancelada’s already congested main roundabout. Residents of Bel Air, El Paraiso, Paraiso Alto, Riviera Beach and Bahia Azul say the arrangement wastes time, increases fuel consumption and adds unnecessary traffic to the junction. The petition also proposes closing an old A-7 access that campaigners consider dangerous, redirecting traffic through the main roundabout instead.
Why a solution could take time
Brigitte said the mayor explained that the road’s connection to the state motorway infrastructure means the council cannot independently authorise the changes. According to her account, the Ministry of Transport must approve the necessary arrangements.
She also reported that ownership of adjoining land presents another obstacle. The council has reportedly held discussions with a representative of the landowner, but no agreement has yet provided a way forward.
One possible longer-term solution could come if the adjoining land is sold and developed. Brigitte said this might allow a new internal road to be included in a future development plan, potentially giving the council greater control over the route. However, no timetable has been confirmed, and residents should not expect an immediate change.
Petition is still open
A-7 Cancelada residents at wits’ end with traffic and road chaos
Brigitte thanked supporters for helping bring the issue to the mayor’s attention and said the petition would remain online to demonstrate continued local backing. Residents can read the proposals and add their names through the Change.org petition calling for an end to Cancelada’s four-kilometre detours.
For now, the campaign has secured reported support from the town hall, but the next step depends on resolving the outstanding road and land issues.
Link to the petition:
