The Almuñécar branch of the socialist opposition party, the PSOE, has called attention to the ‘dangerous entrance’ from the N-340 to Las Palomas, La Herradura, which is just before the Cerro Gordo tunnel.

Socialist Councillor, Censi Ruiz, warns that the junction is a risk and that a roundabout should be built there, for those wanting to enter Las Palomas, coming up from the main La Herradura entrance on the N-340. She pointed out that at present a 2-kilometre detour is required, along the old main road that goes around the tunnel, as a left-hand turn is forbidden; i.e., you aren’t allowed to cross the oncoming lane owing to a lack of visibility.

“We’re going to ask the governing council (PP/PA) to take this request, urgently, to the Ministry of Public Works, because it is essential for road safety and for La Herradura,” declared Censi Ruiz, adding, “Furthermore, the locals from the urbanizaciones have asked for a solution.”

The PSOE say that there have been numerous road accidents at this junction and that such a solution would do away with the ‘countless fines’ levied by the Guardia Civil on drivers making this illegal manoeuvre.

“The Ministry of Public Works should be responsive to this demand, as this junction gives access to Las Palomas, los Cármenes del Mar, los Romeros, Montepino, Tropicana and Girasoles; around 1,500 homes,” explained the councillor.

Lastly, she pointed out that this would cut down traffic using the beach road, especially in the high season.

Editorial Comment: One would have thought that this present economical crisis in which Spain finds itself is sufficient indication that splashing out money that doesn’t exist on what are non life-and-death public works is a thing of the past. It is not as if access is impossible: it is just that the legal route is inconvenient.

You have to drive past two N-340 access points to La Herradura to reach this one, after all.

Yes, if there was money sloshing around, fine, but then again, does the PSOE not consider that a roundabout is more urgent at the Guardia Civil junction in Almuñécar, or the gas station one, or, God forbid, the P-4 one? Does the PSOE not consider that the main entrance for La Herradura is a more urgent candidate for a roundabout?

If you want a crystal clear example of money being misspent on roundabouts, take a look at the Los Pinos one – there was a perfectly adequate junction before, yet money was squandered there whilst the P-4 traffic lights, a mere 200 metres down the N-340 continues to pile traffic up.

Lastly, when was the last accident on Las Palomas junction and how far back does the Councillor really have to go to come up with those ‘numerous’ accidents?