Safety | Christmas | Barcelona City Council

Safety, community-life and mobility operations

A Guàrdia Urbana police officer patrolling a street in Barcelona, which is decorated for Christmas.

Two Guàrdia Urbana police officers patrolling a street in Barcelona, which is decorated for Christmas.

Special measure

Increased police presence in public areas and shopping hubs to prevent criminal offences, provide local policing and ensure road safety.

When

Until 7 January

Like every year, this Christmas the City Council is implementing a set of measures until 7 January to ensure the best possible safety, community life, mobility and cleanliness in Barcelona

More Guàrdia Urbana city police officers

Te Guàrdia Urbana city police officers will strengthen police presence in public areas and shopping hubs to prevent crimes, provide local policing and ensure road safety.

Within the framework of the Pla Endreça, the general aims of these measures are:

To improve road safety, maintain a good flow of traffic, particularly on main roads and around shopping hubs and tourist areas
Control mobility with an impact on community life (use of pavements by PMVs and shared-use vehicles)
Protect public areas from damage (graffiti, waste management, pets, and urinating and defecating in public spaces)
Control irregular activities in public spaces, particularly unauthorised peddling of any products and food and cans of drinks
Control and address disruption caused by unauthorised drinking in public spaces
Control noise pollution; increase public safety in collaboration with the Mossos d'Esquadra
Control and address administrative offences that negatively affect people's perception of safety, with particular emphasis on preventing activities that are contrary to civic behaviour and community life.

The additional safety measures seek to maintain safety, help the public go about their daily lives normally and guarantee peace and quiet for both residents and visitors to the city.

To ensure a peaceful community life and prevent criminal offences in crowded areas, the number of uniformed and mixed foot patrols will be increased in the busiest shopping areas, such as the shopping hubs in each neighbourhood and the tourist areas in each district, in coordination with the Mossos d'Esquadra.

The work these patrols will mainly be focused on ensuring the safety of city residents and preventing criminal activities, as well as dealing with any breaches of regulations that may disturb community life or peace and tranquillity for local residents. They will also be responsible for local policing, helping and assisting the general public and for the general surveillance of public areas.

The Guàrdia Urbana’s Neighbourhood Police teams will establish appropriate contacts with neighbourhood representatives and local retailers.

The Guàrdia Urbana will also carry out inspections of public establishments, including matters regarding noise, overcrowding and the consumption of alcohol by minors, both inside the establishments and in the streets. They will ensure that closing times are respected by these establishments, especially in outdoor terraces.

Surveillance will be increased to avoid disruption from crowds gathering in public areas, and problems arising from unauthorised parties will be addressed. This includes parties in public spaces, commercial premises and private homes that disturb local residents and jeopardise safety, both objectively and subjectively. Any Guàrdia Urbana regional unit that becomes aware of plans to hold an unauthorised party will make appropriate arrangements with the district authorities to issue the necessary cease-and-desist orders and notify any potential offenders.

The Guàrdia Urbana will inspect the largest commercial premises and entertainment venues in which New Year's Eve parties for large numbers of people are being planned, and will monitor social media for unauthorised parties and gatherings.

Road safety

In view of the expected arrival of visitors and increased mobility in the city, there are plans to deploy measures to ensure road safety and mobility.

The Guàrdia Urbana will pay special attention to offences that may affect pedestrian safety, such as failure to respect the right of way at pedestrian crossings and traffic lights and driving on the pavement. Action will also be taken against vehicles that are double parked or obstruct public transport.

If traffic closures, detours or other traffic restriction measures are put in place, especially in the city centre, the public will be informed via information panels. Drivers will likewise receive messages on traffic conditions and the availability of parking spaces.

At the same time, Barcelona's police force will step up its preventive breathalyser and drug-testing controls to reduce the number of accidents during this highly festive period, as well as boost its response to traffic violations.

Special emphasis will be placed on accident hotspots to reduce the number of victims of traffic accidents and any violations that may jeopardise pedestrians' safety, such as failing to respect right of way at pedestrian crossings, disobeying traffic lights or driving on pavements. Furthermore, action will be taken against unauthorised parking on pavements and parking that hinders the free movement of pedestrians.

Mobility

The municipal government is recommending that members of the public wishing to go to the city centre or its main shopping areas either do so on foot or by public transport. Barcelona City Council also recommends choosing alternative times to go shopping and avoiding rush hour and the busiest times, such as Saturday afternoons.

Public transport information

Special measure

Increased police presence in public areas and shopping hubs to prevent criminal offences, provide local policing and ensure road safety.

When

Until 7 January

Safety, community-life and mobility operations

Special measure

When

More Guàrdia Urbana city police officers

Special measure

When

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