Local resident Brigitte and Estepona mayor José María García Urbano.
Credit: BVFB

Residents campaigning to ease traffic chaos in Cancelada have managed to get a meeting with the very busy mayor of Estepona, but discovered a solution could take time.

Brigitte Verhoye, who launched a petition calling for changes to a troublesome A-7 access road, met Mayor José María García Urbano on Monday, October 19, to discuss the problem affecting several residential developments.

According to Brigitte’s update to petition supporters, the meeting was constructive, with the mayor confirming that the council supports the proposed changes but faces legal and administrative obstacles.

Why Cancelada residents want road changes

The campaign, organised through the residents’ group La Voz de las Urbanizaciones, calls for a 500-metre stretch of road between Avenida Flor de Loto and the Veritas/Supeco area to become two-way.

Its current one-way arrangement forces drivers heading towards Marbella to make a detour of more than four kilometres, crossing a bridge and passing through Cancelada’s already congested main roundabout. Residents of Bel Air, El Paraiso, Paraiso Alto, Riviera Beach and Bahia Azul say the arrangement wastes time, increases fuel consumption and adds unnecessary traffic to the junction. The petition also proposes closing an old A-7 access that campaigners consider dangerous, redirecting traffic through the main roundabout instead.

Why a solution could take time

Brigitte said the mayor explained that the road’s connection to the state motorway infrastructure means the council cannot independently authorise the changes. According to her account, the Ministry of Transport must approve the necessary arrangements.

She also reported that ownership of adjoining land presents another obstacle. The council has reportedly held discussions with a representative of the landowner, but no agreement has yet provided a way forward.

One possible longer-term solution could come if the adjoining land is sold and developed. Brigitte said this might allow a new internal road to be included in a future development plan, potentially giving the council greater control over the route. However, no timetable has been confirmed, and residents should not expect an immediate change.

Petition is still open

A-7 Cancelada residents at wits’ end with traffic and road chaos

Brigitte thanked supporters for helping bring the issue to the mayor’s attention and said the petition would remain online to demonstrate continued local backing. Residents can read the proposals and add their names through the Change.org petition calling for an end to Cancelada’s four-kilometre detours.

For now, the campaign has secured reported support from the town hall, but the next step depends on resolving the outstanding road and land issues.

Link to the petition:

Making a will and arranging power of attorney are easy tasks to put off. But long-time Costa del Sol expat Steve Marshall is urging residents to stop delaying and get their affairs in order while they still can. Procedures in time of stress are very different in Spain, and there are lawyers just waiting for your partner’s worst moment.

“As we get older this is something we know we should do but for many of us we tend to put it off in the belief that there’s plenty of time. So it goes on the ‘back burner’,” he writes. “That’s all well and good if you could see the future – but you can’t. So if you have yet to make your will and assign Power of Attorney I urge you to do that without further delay.”

Why planning ahead matters

Marshall says he has watched people’s health and abilities deteriorate over the years, sometimes gradually and sometimes following a serious illness or hospital stay. “It starts gradually. A little forgetfulness now and again. Walking into a room and wondering what you were doing there!”

He warns that a prolonged hospital stay, often following a fall, can make existing difficulties worse. “If anything like this has happened to you please talk to your family while you have the ability to think clearly,” he advises.

British expats may need to consider Spain and the UK

For people with property, savings or other assets in both countries, getting the right legal advice is particularly important. The UK government has published a guide to planning for later life as a British person in Spain, covering wills, estate planning and powers of attorney.

“Making a will is an act of care and love for family and friends. It is not just a preparation for death,” Marshall says. Without appropriate arrangements, settling an estate can become more complicated, and assets may not be distributed as the person intended.

Having close relatives does not automatically give them authority to manage someone’s finances or make decisions on their behalf if that person loses the ability to do so. Marshall urges readers to take professional legal advice, consider how they want their assets distributed and make suitable arrangements for both Spain and the UK where necessary.

A Spanish will and a UK will need to be considered carefully together, while powers of attorney are subject to separate rules and may require specific formalities to be recognised across borders. EWN has also examined what expats in Spain should know before naming a charity in their will.

Don’t leave it until it’s too late

Planning ahead can help families understand a person’s wishes and avoid unnecessary complications at an already difficult time. Marshall’s message is straightforward: don’t assume there will always be time to deal with these matters later. “Please don’t wait until it’s too late. A little planning now, while you are still able, can spare your family considerable distress tomorrow.”

Readers can also find information about making a lasting power of attorney in England and Wales on the UK government website. British expats should take advice on the arrangements needed for their own circumstances in Spain.

The share of passengers arriving in Malaga on low-cost airlines from January to September rose by 9% compared with last year.