The acoustic barriers, intended to mitigate noise pollution in the municipality, are currently covered in graffiti. The City Council considers this situation unacceptable and has communicated its concerns to the central government, reminding them that the cleaning and maintenance of these structures are the Ministry's responsibility.
The noise barrier project itself faced reservations from the design phase due to concerns about visual impact on residential areas like La Moraleja, Soto de La Moraleja, and El Encinar de los Reyes. Following months of negotiations with the State Road Authority in Madrid and the construction company, modifications to the route and design were achieved to improve landscape integration and pedestrian safety.
Despite these adjustments, the vandalism problem emerged almost immediately. In response, the Alcobendas Local Police has intensified surveillance in the A-1 area with preventive patrols and the use of drones, leading to several in-the-act arrests and material confiscation.
“"In Alcobendas, there is a zero-tolerance policy against vandalism. We will continue to act firmly against vandalism and will demand that the Ministry fulfill its obligations so that this environment quickly regains the image of quality, cleanliness, and excellence that our residents deserve."
Mayor Rocío García Alcántara has reaffirmed the zero-tolerance policy towards vandalism, noting that graffiti penalties can reach up to 3,000 euros. She insists that while the City Council handles surveillance, cleaning remains the obligation of the Ministry of Transport.
Both the Popular Party and Vox will present motions at the municipal plenary session on July 15 to demand direct involvement from Minister Óscar Puente. The initiatives call for an urgent meeting between the Ministry, the Mayor of Alcobendas, and representatives of the conservation entities, along with immediate cleaning, anti-graffiti treatments, and regular reviews.
Furthermore, the proposals include studying landscape integration measures, such as incorporating vegetation, to enhance the overall appearance of the area and reduce the visual impact of the barriers.
