Referendum on the future of Avinguda Diagonal

Barcelona city council recently held a referendum to choose between the different proposed redevelopments of the Avinguda Diagonal.

Although the turnout was low – just 8.54% of Barcelona’s residents actually voted – and there were problems with the electronic voting system used, some 80% of voters unanimously chose the third option – no change, thereby wasting money that would have been better utilised elsewhere and showing how far out of touch they are with the residents.

In fact the two proposals would see a considerable change to the character of Diagonal which is one of the best known avenues in Barcelona. Both would see a degree of pedestrianisation and the traffic currently using it would be diverted elsewhere.

For some reason the council hasn’t got it into their thick heads that some people want or need to drive. While the metro is good for many journeys and the bus network reasonably comprehensive – although not perfect – the early shut off of the rail network to and from Barcelona makes anything but car trips impossible for many people who live outside of Barcelona.

This is the council who several years ago announced that one way of dealing with the traffic problem would be to narrow the lanes and make it more dangerous so that drivers would slow down.

What planet are they living on? Not mine.

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