After a delay from the original January launch date, Ronda’s controversial Puente Nuevo vehicle restrictions will officially take effect on August 1, 2025. The updated traffic control measure will limit bridge access to vehicles registered and taxed within Ronda, a move designed to protect the town’s historic core and improve urban mobility.
If you’re visiting or staying in a hotel within the restricted zone, don’t worry—hotel guests can still access the area by coordinating with their accommodation, which will inform local police of your stay.
What’s Behind the Public Controversy?
While many residents support reducing congestion and protecting cultural heritage, the restriction has sparked criticism from surrounding communities, especially those:
- With family or caregiving ties in Ronda.
- Who work in the city but register vehicles in nearby towns to save on taxes.
- Who now face longer travel times and unclear enforcement rules.
Concerns include a lack of clear signage, uncertain exemptions, and whether temporary access will be fairly managed for non-resident caregivers or those with medical needs.
Why the Puente Nuevo in Ronda Is Restricted
Restricting traffic to the Puente Nuevo has been tried before but has failed each time due to public outcry. We should remember though that this beautiful monument was built many year ago for horses and carriages and certainly not the amount of traffic it has to endure in modern times.
The iconic Puente Nuevo was never built to handle the volume of modern vehicle traffic it now endures—often exceeding 7,000 vehicles per day in peak season. This restriction is part of Ronda’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, aiming to:
- Preserve historical architecture in the Old Town.
- Reduce vehicle traffic by approximately 30%.
- Enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers.
Regulation of the Puente Nuevo
The Local Police will use automated license plate cameras at Cuesta de las Imágenes (San Francisco side) and Virgen de la Paz (near Plaza Merced). These will track compliance and issue fines starting August 1. A trial period in July allows drivers time to adjust without penalty.
Main Points to Remember About the Puente Nuevo Vehicle Access Restrictions in Ronda
- Starting August 2025, only cars registered in Ronda will be allowed to cross the Puente Nuevo.
- Hotel guests staying in this area will be able to pass through by notifying their hotel in advance, which will then inform the police of their reservation.
- Informational signage will be installed on roads near the affected areas.
- Google will be notified to update its traffic information accordingly.
- A public awareness campaign has been launched on social media to communicate these updates.
- On the website www.ronda.es, Ronda residents can find a link (scroll down to the image titled “REGULACIÖN TRÄFICO”) where they can check the registration status of their vehicles or address any other questions they may have.
Expanded Traffic Changes
To accommodate the new traffic flow:
- Calle Molino will reverse direction.
- Traffic patterns between Calle Pozo and Calle Molino will shift.
- Traffic lights are being installed at Av. Victoria / Calle Sevilla.
- Access to the Cuartel de la Concepción parking is being re-routed.
Important Reminders for Visitors
Hotel Guest Access:
Hotels in the Old Town can provide your license plate to the police, allowing you temporary access for check-in, luggage drop-off, or parking.
Clear Signage & Navigation Apps:
Signage is now installed at key town entry points. Google Maps and other GPS services are being updated to reflect restricted zones.
Where the Restrictions Apply:
- From Puerta Almocábar roundabout, covering Cuesta de las Imágenes and Calle Armiñán.
- From Virgen de la Paz (Plaza Merced) down to the Parador, next to the Puente Nuevo.
Visitors are encouraged to park their vehicles in designated areas outside the restricted zone. Check out our dedicated page to parking areas in Ronda that offer convenient access to Ronda’s main attractions here.
Use Hotel Guest Privileges
If you’re staying in a hotel within the restricted zone, inform your accommodation provider in advance. Hotels can notify the police of your reservation, allowing you temporary vehicle access to drop off luggage or park nearby. (Check out hotels in Rondas old town here.)
Take a Scenic Walk Across the Bridge
The Puente Nuevo is best enjoyed on foot! Park outside the restricted zone and stroll across the bridge to admire its breathtaking views of the El Tajo Gorge. This iconic experience is a highlight of any visit to Ronda.
FAQ: Puente Nuevo Vehicle Access Restrictions in Ronda
Starting August 1, 2025, only vehicles registered and taxed in Ronda will be allowed to cross the Puente Nuevo bridge. This new regulation is part of Ronda’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan to reduce traffic, protect historic landmarks, and improve safety.
The Puente Nuevo sees over 7,000 vehicles per day in peak season. Built in the 18th century for horses and carts, the bridge is not designed for modern traffic. Limiting access will help preserve Ronda’s historic core, reduce congestion by up to 30%, and create a more pedestrian-friendly Old Town.
Enforcement will use automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras located at:
Cuesta de las Imágenes (San Francisco entry)
Virgen de la Paz (near Plaza Merced)
A grace period in July allows time to adapt. From August 1, fines will be issued to unauthorized vehicles. Informational signs and updates to Google Maps will guide drivers.
Yes. Hotel guests within the restricted area may still enter with prior coordination. The hotel must register the guest’s license plate with local police to allow temporary access for check-in, parking, or luggage drop-off.
Other exemptions (e.g. for caregivers or those with medical needs) have not yet been fully clarified by local authorities.
The restricted zone includes:
Calle Armiñán
Cuesta de las Imágenes
Virgen de la Paz (from Plaza Merced to the Parador)
The Puente Nuevo itself
Access points are controlled by cameras, and vehicles without Ronda registration may be fined if entering.
To accommodate new traffic patterns:
Calle Molino will have reversed flow.
Entry to Cuartel de la Concepción parking will be modified.
New traffic lights are being installed at the Av. Victoria / Calle Sevilla intersection.
Flow between Calle Pozo and Calle Molino will be adjusted.
These changes are designed to keep the rest of the town flowing smoothly.
Locals in central Ronda generally support the restrictions for improving safety and protecting the town’s charm. However, non-residents and commuters from nearby towns have expressed frustration, citing:
Longer travel times
Unclear access rules
Lack of exemptions for family visits, caregiving, or non-local workers
This issue remains a topic of heated debate on social media and in local news.
Visitors are encouraged to park outside the restricted zone and explore Ronda on foot. Highlights include:
A scenic walk across the Puente Nuevo with views of the El Tajo Gorge
Easy access to museums, tapas bars, churches, and historical sites
Optional use of a VoiceMap audio guide for a self-paced walking tour
Ronda is compact and walkable, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore without a car.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!