Even after the Covid-19 public health crisis forced the island’s roadworthiness test centre (ITV), a service of the Consell de Formentera, to close from mid-March to 11 May, the centre will cap the year with a waiting list of zero.

Between twenty and thirty drivers waited for appointments as 2020 began, and when the ITV reopened in May arrangements had to be made to inspect the nearly 350 rental cars whose original testing dates had overlapped with the closure. Inspection services councillor Antonio J. Sanz said applause for ITV personnel was in order in view of the “extremely complicated year” and called recruitment of a third mechanic and reorganisation of work “essential” to successfully shaving the list of local drivers awaiting appointments down to zero and improving customer service. Sanz pointed out that the waiting list has stood at zero since September, and he underscored plans in 2021 to incorporate new equipment in order to further improve service.

At 1,542 inspections, July was the service’s busiest month, while 28 September was its busiest single day, with staff logging a total of 108 inspections. All told, nearly six thousand vehicles have been tested in the last twelve months.

The Formentera ITV employs three mechanics and two administrative assistants. The service is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 2.00pm, and this year afternoon appointments on Thursdays were added as well. The centre remains open until 8.30pm on those days.

To request an appointment for a vehicle roadworthiness test, call 971 32 31 30 or send an email to itv@conselldeformentera.cat.

31 December 2020
Communications Department
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Island Services Department, in association with the Formentera Education and Culture Department, reports that 80 sensors purchased recently for €2,258 will be installed in municipal facilities to ensure proper air quality. The devices issue real-time air-quality readings based on ambient carbon dioxide (C0₂) levels, temperature and humidity, plus keep time and an ongoing log of readings.

The Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Coordination Plan was adopted on 28 November and posted to the regional gazette. The plan, including a number of modifications released in the interim, encourages ventilation protocol, outdoor programming and, among other things, C0₂ monitors. The CPCCP mandates C0₂ levels remain below 800 parts per million (PPM), or failing that, that spaces be ventilated and capacity reduced until proper levels are attained.

The maintenance brigade will oversee setup of the devices in buildings with high-risk populations (old people’s clubs and the adult day care centre) and opening hours for the public (OAC and other Consell offices), so municipal nurseries, the School of Music and Dance and the fitness centre can reopen, as scheduled, after the Christmas holiday. Devices will also be installed in a host of other locations, including the municipal plenary hall, cinema, Sala d’Actes, libraries, CEN training room, Casal de Joves and Ràdio Illa.

28 December 2020
Communications Department
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Island Services Department reports that crews will oversee eleven distinct operations to dispense with architectural barriers in Es Pujols. The work will cost €25,000 (VAT included) and involve eight pedestrian crossings near Avinguda Miramar, Carrer Espalmador and Carrer Fonoll Marí.

Island services councillor Paula Ferrer pointed out that the removal of barriers to accessibility is included in Formentera’s Sustainable Mobility Plan.

10 December 2020
Communications Department
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Department of Island Services reports that workers began pruning vegetation along a stretch of PM-820 in a effort to enhance road safety. The three-week operation will be limited to the segment from kilometre 12.5 to kilometre 16.5 at the edge of town, with crews trimming branches below the six metre mark to give outsize passing vehicles ample clearance.

4 November 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera