The Formentera interior office reports that local police and the island’s fire department have enlisted a drone in a new surveillance and operations unit staffed by emergency responders. According to department chief Josep Marí, the unit, whose operators include four law enforcement officers and two members of the firefighting brigade, will develop “a multi-disciplinary approach to emergency response around tracking, surveillance and prevention”.

“The unit will complement efforts that have figured in emergency services’ remit for some time now”, said interior conseller Josep Marí. “Today, with the acquisition of a drone and six of our emergency responders receiving training, the team can operate 365 days a year.”

In addition to helping the fire crew pinpoint fires and mark out their perimeter, not to mention reinforcing firefighting operations, the drone will be integral to missing person searches and other emergency operations. For local police, it will aide enforcement of environmental and urban planning regulations, patrols of waterside itinerant vending and crowd reduction measures.

Training
Today was the last day of classes for the six emergency responders who took part in SQA Drones’ course on piloting drones. The local police and firefighters were joined by three participants from Santa Eulària’s police force and environment department. The sessions included four days of on-site training and fifty hours of theory. Two agents from the local Sant Josep force seized the opportunity to hone their skills in drone manoeuvres and share experience with their classmates.

16 July 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Department of Island Services announces that from tomorrow children’s parks across the island will reopen in line with safety protocol published in the Balearic gazette as part of an order, 4/2020, issued by the regional premiere.

Per the order, the Consell de Formentera will remove the barriers that restricted access to parks tomorrow. Municipal crews are performing a targeted cleaning of the areas today.

Two daily cleanings —in the morning and afternoon, per the order— have additionally been scheduled going forward, with instructions to focus particular attention on high touch surfaces.

Signs have gone up advising islanders of the main Covid-19 preventive measures, emphasising hand washing, respiratory hygiene and physical distancing.

17 June 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

Starting tomorrow, the Citizen’s Information Office (OAC) will open for the office’s standard hours of operation, 9.00am to 2.00pm from Monday to Friday, and 4.00pm to 6.00pm on Thursday afternoons. In light of Covid-19 safety protocol, the OAC will receive visits exclusively by appointment, which islanders are encouraged to scheduled by calling 687 209 618. Information is also available online on the OVAC portal.

The Consell encourages islanders to forgo in-person visits to the OAC by completing business online. Staff are available at 971 321 087 to answer any questions related to online services.

OAC visitors will have three stations, each fitted with a protective screen. An individual will verify at the door that visitors have an appointment, wear a mask, use hand sanitiser and do not display Covid-19 symptoms. No more than three islanders can be in the office at a time, and appointments are being staggered. Confirmation of appointment time will be sent on completion of the scheduling process. As a measure of hygiene, furniture has also been removed from the waiting area.

27 May 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

The Consell de Formentera has overseen changes designed to make the juncture of highway PM-820 and the carretera de Porto-salè safer. In recent years, the crossing has been the site of a disproportionate number of sometimes deadly accidents.

Upgrades:

-Solid line from the CEPSA petrol station into La Savina to prevent motorists from dangerous passing attempts.
-Reduced speed limit (from 90 km/h to 70 km/h) to prevent rear-end collisions, one of the most common accidents at this stretch of highway.
-Bigger and better signage highlighting reduced speed limit and dangerous intersection.
-Cleared vegetation near the intersection for improved visibility.

The measures put local roads on the right side of the island’s 2019 Plan for Sustainable Mobility, and are also in line with a measure which was green-lighted at local government’s February plenary session calling for urgent action at the section of highway in question.

The Consell has begun efforts to set up a radar speed trap between the CEPSA petrol station and the Porto-salè turnout, and is preparing upgrades that will make turning in and out easier for drivers.

21 May 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera