Starting in January 2025, access to the Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda will only be to vehicles registered with the town council. This new regulation aims to preserve the historic heart of the town and ease traffic congestion. However, if you are visiting or staying in a hotel in the affected area then you can still enjoy the charm of Ronda and its Old Town with a few simple tips to navigate the changes.

Restricting traffic to the Puente Nuevo has been tried before and 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.

IMPORTANT: Hotel guests staying in this area will be able to pass through by notifying their hotel in advance, who will then inform the police of their reservation. To enforce the restrictions, cameras will be installed at Cuesta de las Imágenes (San Francisco) and Virgen de la Paz, near the intersection with Mariano Soubiron and the Plaza Merced.

Why the Puente Nuevo Is Restricted

Ronda’s City Council has implemented this measure to reduce traffic on the Puente Nuevo and surrounding streets, such as Calle Armiñán and Virgen de la Paz. Currently, these areas see up to 7,000 vehicles daily during peak seasons, with half of the traffic coming from visitors and rental cars. By limiting access to local vehicles, the city hopes to create a more pedestrian-friendly experience while protecting its historical sites.

Regulation of the Puente Nuevo

The access restrictions are located from the roundabout located at the Puerta Almocábar in the San Francisco area, including the Cuesta de las Imágenes and Calle Armiñan up to the bridge. From the other side the restrictions apply from calle Virgen de la Paz At the Plaza Merced and down to the Parador located next to the Puente Nuevo.

Main Points to Remember About the Puente Nuevo Vehicle Access Restrictions in Ronda

• Starting January 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.

What Visitors Need to Do

If you’re visiting Ronda, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternatives for getting around without crossing the Puente Nuevo in a car.

Parking Outside the Old Town

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.

Follow Signage and Traffic Updates

Informational signs will be placed at key entry points to the town, guiding visitors to parking and alternative routes. Additionally, navigation apps like Google Maps will be updated to reflect the new traffic regulations, helping you avoid restricted areas.

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