Call for Expanded Traffic Enforcement
The Federation of Neighbourhood Associations of Manresa (FAVM) is urging the city council to finalise a formal agreement with the Catalan Traffic Service (Servei Català de Trànsit, SCT) that would allow officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police, to report traffic violations during urban patrols. The proposal, which has been under discussion for over a year, centres on adopting Model C of the SCT’s cooperation agreements, a framework already active in nearby towns including Navàs, Santpedor and Moià. Under this model, Mossos officers would have the authority to document traffic offences they observe while on duty, such as illegal parking or unsafe riding of personal mobility vehicles like electric scooters. While the Mossos would not issue fines directly, their reports would be processed and enforced by the SCT, streamlining oversight in public spaces.
We consider this a tool that could directly improve road safety and coexistence in Manresa’s streets, especially given growing concerns about scooter use and other risky behaviours.
Safety Concerns and Resource Gaps
The FAVM stresses that increasing incidents involving personal mobility devices, including improper riding on pavements and failure to follow traffic rules, are raising safety risks for pedestrians and riders alike. The federation cites official guidance from the Servei Català de Trànsit, which identifies these vehicles as part of targeted prevention campaigns focused on protecting vulnerable road users. Neighbourhood leaders argue that expanding enforcement capacity is essential, particularly given reported staffing shortages within Manresa’s local police force, the Guàrdia Urbana. They clarify that the proposed measure would not replace the role of municipal officers but would instead complement their efforts through greater coordination between agencies. A 2023 annual report from the Department of Interior and Public Security confirms that Manresa is one of 50 municipalities in Catalonia with an approved Local Road Safety Plan, underscoring the city’s formal commitment to improving traffic conditions.
Next Steps and Accountability
The FAVM has publicly questioned why Manresa has not yet moved forward with the agreement, calling on political representatives to prioritise resident safety over partisan considerations. The federation points to existing collaboration mechanisms between local, regional and traffic authorities as sufficient legal and administrative groundwork for immediate action. Residents who wish to learn more about current traffic regulations and enforcement procedures can consult the municipal tax and revenue office or review safety initiatives via the Local Road Safety Plan guidelines provided by the Catalan Traffic Service.
Primary sources: Departament d'Interior i Seguretat Pública, transit.gencat.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ajuntament de Barcelona, bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by seu-e.cat, ACN, eb.manresa.cat, Regió 7.
