Lisbon curbs tuk‑tuks: 337 streets off‑limits in tourist areas
The authorities in Lisbon have decided to ban electric rickshaws from operating on 337 streets in the city, focusing on popular tourist areas.
The authorities of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, have announced a ban on electric rickshaws, commonly known as tuk-tuks, on 337 streets in the city. These restrictions mainly target areas popular with tourists, including the old town. This decision follows years of protests from various groups highlighting the excessive number of these vehicles in the city.
The ban comes after numerous complaints from residents, taxi drivers, and public transit operators who demanded a reduction in the number of rickshaws. Currently, there are about 1,000 of these vehicles operating in Lisbon, a number that city authorities consider too high.
According to Lisbon City Hall, starting April 1, increased patrols will monitor compliance with the new regulations. The aim is to enforce the ban effectively, improving residents' quality of life and organizing tourist traffic in the city.
The mayor of Lisbon is pleased with the changes
The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, is pleased with finding a solution to the problem that has troubled his city for several years. He believes that imposing these restrictions is "a step in the right direction". As he points out, the presence of tuk-tuks in the city has been unregulated for a long time, leading to serious problems.
We argue that the municipality should have other means to control, in particular, the maximum number of tuk-tuks operating in Lisbon, but this step we are taking now is a step in the right direction - said Moedas, as quoted by the Olhares de Lisboa service.
According to the portal, inspections will focus on areas where tuk-tuk movement is restricted. The main areas for inspection include Baixa Pombalina, Encosta do Castelo, and Belém.
