Drivers using country roads across the Axarquia could finally see improvements to road safety under a new provincial scheme to replace thousands of damaged and deteriorating traffic signs.

Diputación de Malaga (regional government) has set aside €771,748 to the Axarquia, covering 37 roads, as part of a €2.05 million programme to renew around 15,600 signs and other safety equipment across the province. The announcement adds to previous road improvements in the Axarquia.

The programme comes as road conditions continue to concern residents who rely on rural routes to travel between villages, reach work or access essential services. EWN has previously reported on the deteriorating condition of Spain’s roads.

37 Axarquia roads included in the plan

The programme covers 118 provincial roads stretching across approximately 860 kilometres. Signs and safety equipment currently in poor or deteriorating condition are due to be replaced.

Work will include new triangular, circular, square and octagonal signs, roadside posts, kilometre markers, reflective safety markers and directional panels. Some replacement signs and panels will feature illuminated technology to improve visibility.

The Axarquia has the largest allocation of the four areas covered by the programme. North Malaga and Antequera will receive €440,596, the Guadalhorce Valley €422,594 and the Serrania de Ronda €414,616. Works in the Axarquia are expected to take six months once they begin.

However, the announcement does not yet identify which individual roads will receive replacement signs, so drivers will have to wait for further details to know whether their regular routes are included.

New speed warning devices planned

The wider provincial scheme also includes 27 electronic speed indicator devices. These will measure vehicles’ speeds and display the results on LED screens, warning drivers when they are travelling too fast. They will not issue fines or penalties.

Separately, the Diputación is assessing proposals for another programme to repaint road markings across 600 kilometres of 99 provincial roads. That work would cover central and edge lines, junction markings and other painted road markings. It follows other road maintenance programmes, including resurfacing works on Malaga province roads.

While the latest announcement does not promise resurfacing or all pothole repairs, replacing worn signs and improving road markings could help make journeys safer for residents and visitors using the province’s rural road network.

Halloween at the old Pilar factory. Credit: EWN

The visit forms part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations of Mini Club Granada, which is bringing together owners of the much-loved little cars for a weekend of driving, sightseeing and social events. The Mini Club Granada’s 30th-anniversary programme provides details of the planned activities.

For residents and visitors in the Nerja area, the convoy offers a chance to see some classic examples of one of Britain’s best-known motoring icons out on the road.

British motoring history comes to Nerja

The original Mini became a motoring legend after its launch in 1959. Designed by Alec Issigonis, the compact car was celebrated for its clever use of space, distinctive appearance and agile handling.

Over the decades, the Mini developed a loyal following in Britain and beyond. Its links with the 1960s, British popular culture and motorsport have helped make well-preserved examples popular with collectors.

Classic-car gatherings continue to attract enthusiasts around Andalucia. Readers can find out more about another classic car rally on the Costa del Sol in our previous coverage.

Where to see the cars

The planned visit to the Nerja Caves provides a local highlight for classic-car fans. The attraction, officially known as the Cueva de Nerja, is one of the area’s best-known visitor destinations, attracting people with its vast underground chambers and spectacular natural formations.

Anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the convoy should check the club’s latest announcements for its expected arrival time and route before setting off. The official Nerja Caves website provides visitor information about the attraction.

The gathering follows a recent tour of the Costa Tropical by 14 classic Minis, with vehicles dating from 1960 to 1993 visiting Salobreña and neighbouring towns over the weekend of October 24 and 25.

Readers can also look back at another classic cars in Nerja story featuring a convoy of vintage SEAT 600s.

For local residents, the Mini gathering offers an opportunity to enjoy a little British motoring nostalgia on the roads around Nerja.