Control of Street Vending

Ses Illetes

Formentera, 30 July 2025

The fight against illegal street vending on the beaches of Formentera has taken a step forward with the installation of a permanent surveillance point on the iconic beach of ses Illetes. This measure, promoted by the Consell Insular, is part of a broader preventive control strategy aimed at preserving safety, the natural environment, and the local commercial fabric.

According to the president of the Consell Insular of Formentera and the head of the Local Police, this new post is not only an operational resource but also a symbol of the institutional commitment to public order. Located within the heart of the Parc Natural de Ses Salines, the new station is part of a more ambitious coastal surveillance plan during peak season.

This new surveillance point is not just focused on enforcement but also serves an informative and deterrent role, strengthening direct contact with citizens and providing a continuous presence in the area.

Thanks to this system and its coordinated approach, strong results are already being seen: a significant drop in reports of street vending, especially in areas most frequented by tourists. The figures show that the measures in place are having a direct effect on reducing incidents.

At the Heart of the Natural Parkl

The new police surveillance station is located in a key area: the beach of ses Illetes, within the Parc Natural de Ses Salines. This area, heavily visited by tourists during the summer months, has traditionally been one of the main hotspots for illegal street vending. The installation of the fixed post addresses the need to strengthen institutional presence in a highly protected natural environment.

The surveillance service is active daily from May to September, from 10 AM to 6 PM, and is staffed by a fixed patrol made up of two to three officers, a motorbike, a jet ski, and the booth itself as the operations center.

Deterrent and Informative Approach

One of the pillars of the operation is its deterrent nature. The Consell emphasizes that dialogue and preventive action are prioritized over the direct imposition of penalties. The aim is to discourage street vending through visibility, information, and the constant presence of officers.

This approach has led to a doubling of preventive interactions in 2025 compared to previous years. The goal is to avoid direct confrontation by promoting awareness and compliance with existing regulations, both among vendors and visitors.

Reduction in Incidents

According to the 2025 season results, reports of street vending have dropped significantly in the Parc Natural de Ses Salines, from 90 cases in 2024 to just 13 this year, although it’s important to note that the peak season has only just begun. Other areas of the island, such as Cala Saona and Migjorn, are also seeing a marked decrease in illegal activity.

Overall, the reduction compared to last year stands at 70.4%. This trend confirms the effectiveness of the adopted surveillance model and shows that the deterrent approach, combined with a constant operational presence, is paying off.

Areas with an Uptick

Despite the general decline, the Consell’s report points to an increase in certain areas, such as the beaches of Es Pujols, Sa Roqueta, and Ses Canyes. In Es Pujols, for example, 11 operations have been recorded so far in 2025, compared to just 9 during all of 2024. This rise is attributed to the so-called “displacement effect”, in which police pressure in one area pushes the activity into less monitored zones.

Even so, these numbers remain low compared to historical levels, and the Consell is already working on adjusting the system to cover these new emerging areas.

Public Order and Local Commerce

The Consell Insular insists that this surveillance strategy is not only aimed at reducing illegal sales but also at protecting local businesses and ensuring a safe experience for visitors. According to the president of the Consell Insular, “the booth is not just a functional element, but a symbol of presence and commitment to public order on our beaches.”

Street vending, aside from creating unfair competition for legal businesses, can also pose risks to public health and the natural environment. For this reason, institutional action is considered key to maintaining Formentera’s tourism quality and ecological balance.