The new graffiti removal contract in Barcelona’s Pla Endreça has brought a significant increase in resources and new working methods, with positive results. New initiatives include cleaning graffiti from urban furniture (such as fountains, planters and signposts) and from the façades of listed buildings.

Priority areas increased by 22%

Specific areas in all districts have also been designated for regular graffiti removal, with teams going out every four months. Two rounds of cleaning have been completed so far: the first covered 359 streets and the second 262 streets. During the second round, which was completed in June, fewer operations were needed due to a decrease in graffiti incidents. According to the data collected, the streets remained 95% clearer of graffiti than before. This success allowed the extension of the priority areas to a total of 381 streets from July.

Listed properties, municipal buildings and markets, and major urban infrastructure 

The new contract also ensures that between three and four façades of listed properties are cleaned every day. In Ciutat Vella, all listed properties will receive an initial cleaning, followed by two cleanings per year. The cleaning of buildings in the Eixample district began in August, and other districts will be covered in response to graffiti or requests from residents. During the first half of the year, 224 municipal buildings, 23 markets and 12 major infrastructures were also cleaned, including the railings along Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes in Sant Martí and the walls along Camí de la Foixarda.

Increased citizen participation and coordination with the Guàrdia Urbana

Since the start of the contract, requests for graffiti removal have increased by a factor of 2.5. Of these requests, 85% concern non-listed buildings and façades, while 15% concern listed properties, which are dealt with by four specialised cleaning teams. The average response time is nine days, with most cases resolved within a month of receipt of the request.

In addition, increased street patrols by the Guàrdia Urbana have led to more fines being issued under the civic by-law to deter offenders. From January to June this year, 242 fines were issued for graffiti on public property or other elements. Fines have also been hiked by 66.6%, from €300 to €500, or up to €600 for graffiti on listed buildings.