Provincial Council expands vehicle fleet for protection and surveillance of roads
The growing number of electric models has driven the Alicante Provincial Council to expand its vehicle fleet. This change is prompting the agency to build a formal automobile inventory. With four parties represented at the Provincial Palace PP, PSPV-PSOE, Compromís, and Vox agreeing on a new regulation, the province moves toward standardized criteria for transferring vehicles to 141 municipalities. The goal is to foster fair competition and remove the uncertainties that have led to manual transfers.
The idea gained momentum after Compromís submitted a proposal during the last general assembly, backed by PSPV and Vox. After officials pledged to update the inventory and regulate transfers, Valencian coalition spokesman Ximo Perles paused the motion. Another impetus was the September approval of the free transfer of ownership of two Provincial Council vehicles to Busot and La Canyada, a move that stirred reactions given two former PP MPs now serving as mayors. These developments illustrate the evolving landscape of municipal vehicle sharing.
David Aracil, a Popular MP for Innovation, explains that the renovation projects require a thorough vehicle park inventory. He notes that before any cars are made available to municipalities, all variables must be assessed, including usefulness, emissions, and safety. He adds that once the fleet is understood, all groups will sit down to establish transfer criteria. Aracil emphasizes that only three cars have been transferred to municipalities in the past five years, with two more transfers recording earlier years. He also points out that current transfer requests total eleven entries, eight from provincial municipalities, two from associations, and one from a local institute.
subsidies
The Compromís spokesperson argues that the proposal aims to introduce objective and transparent criteria to subsidies managed by the Provincial Assembly, noting that these standards had not been applied to vehicle donations. The plan calls for a formal protocol with clear criteria so municipalities can give vehicles a second life while the fleet modernizes. Even with broad opposition support, the motion was withdrawn. Perles states that if needed, a meeting will be scheduled to finalize any arrangements. He also recalls questions raised at the September plenary about vehicles donated to Busot and La Canyada, underscoring a desire for accountability.
Socialist MP Francis Rubio reflects that while progress has been steady, transparency remains essential for the Provincial Council as expectations grow among a more informed and critical public. Vox spokesperson Gema Alemán urges a comprehensive inventory to identify vehicles and suggests prioritizing smaller municipalities in the distribution.
Sustainability considerations come into play as the debate evolves. In addition to cataloging the fleet and establishing transfer rules, the discussion centers on aligning with sustainability goals. Electric vehicles are being added, yet some older models are still being handed to municipalities as they become obsolete or pose pollution concerns. There is debate about whether vehicles with high mileage should be donated. This ongoing conversation highlights the balance between modernization and environmental responsibility.