A study conducted by EITB and the local media network TOKIKOM as part of the Saretzen project reveals a continuous rise in vehicle numbers across the South Basque Country in the past ten years. Despite population growth, the rate of road occupancy has been faster: in 2014, there were 648 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, a figure that reached 673 in 2024.
In Tolosaldea, the vehicle fleet has grown by 13.5% over the decade, from 33,426 to 37,923. On a municipal level, Aduna stands out with 1,778 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, followed by Belauntza (1,478) and Albiztur (1,451). While only five municipalities in the region had more vehicles than inhabitants in 2014, today 13 exceed this ratio. Orendain has seen the most substantial growth at 63%.
The number of cars is also on the rise in the region, averaging 498 per 1,000 inhabitants, marking a 16% increase. Belauntza leads in car ownership (759), with Aduna and Albiztur close behind (738). Tolosa has one of the lowest car ratios at 431, despite a 15% increase in its car fleet over the last decade.
The number of vans has risen by 18% in the region, from 2,708 to 3,202, although it has decreased in six municipalities. Aduna has the highest van density, with one for every four inhabitants (250). Conversely, the number of mopeds has dropped by 25%, and the truck fleet has also shrunk by 25%, from 3,602 to 2,674.
Regarding two-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles have experienced their largest growth, a 44% increase in the region. Albiztur has the most motorcycles (396), and Gipuzkoa has set a historic record with 105.2 motorcycles per 1,000 inhabitants.
In rural areas, there is a significant dependence on private vehicles due to the lack of public transport. Alternative mobility models, such as on-demand transport or car-sharing, are necessary to address hyper-motorization.
