Catalonia prepares for eclipse crowds as drivers urged to plan ahead

As Catalonia prepares for its first total solar eclipse since 1905, authorities are urging people to plan ahead and set off early on Wednesday, August 12.

Southern and some western parts of Catalonia, including Lleida and Tarragona, will experience totality, when the moon completely blocks out the sun. Central and northern areas, including Barcelona and Girona, will see a partial eclipse. 

Despite the difference in visibility across Catalonia, the Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) expects around 60% of the traffic generated by people travelling to watch the total solar eclipse to be "local."

Its director, Ramon Lamiel, said the data collected so far suggests that most people will travel within their county and that long-distance journeys are not expected.

No stopping on hard shoulder

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Lamiel stressed that stopping or parking on the road or on the hard shoulder to watch the eclipse is prohibited.

To ensure safety and keep traffic moving, the Mossos d'Esquadra will deploy 700 police officers, including 180 traffic officers who will be stationed mainly along the AP-7 and A-2 motorways.

Lamiel also recommended "setting out early" to avoid congestion and keep traffic flowing, particularly on the AP-7.

Alternative routes and restrictions

Traffic authorities have recommended alternative routes depending on the destination. 

Drivers heading towards Lleida can use the C-25 and A-2, while the AP-2 is another option for parts of the Lleida region and for destinations such as Valls and Prades.

For journeys towards Camp de Tarragona, the A-7 and N-340 are recommended from the Torredembarra and Altafulla area, while the T-11 and N-420 can be used to reach Baix Camp, Ribera d'Ebre and Terra Alta.

"We need to preserve the capacity of the AP-7," Lamiel said.

The Traffic Service director said restrictions on lorries travelling south would be in place from 5pm until midnight on Wednesday. Northbound, heavy goods vehicles will be restricted to the right-hand lane, with a speed limit of 80kph.

Lamiel urged people to stagger their return journey and extend their stay to enjoy activities planned after the eclipse.

Mónica Luis, head of the Mossos d'Esquadra's general mobility division, said the police operation would be coordinated from the 112 emergency centre in Reus.

Luis stressed the importance of not stopping on the hard shoulders, so that emergency vehicles can get through if necessary.

Access to natural parks restricted

Access to the Ports and Serra de Montsant natural parks is restricted from 9pm on Tuesday until 8am on Thursday.

Rural Agents will help monitor park entrances as part of a deployment of around 150 officers from Monday to strengthen preventive surveillance ahead of Wednesday's eclipse.

Their operation will also focus on preventing forest fires and enforcing environmental regulations.

Car rental companies struggle to meet demand

Car rental companies in Barcelona are struggling to meet demand for vehicles during the week of the eclipse.

The event has driven demand even higher during what is already a busy month for rentals, sending prices from €100 a day in the low season to as much as €850 or even €1,300, according to companies that spoke to the Catalan News Agency (ACN).