Lisbon curbs electric rickshaws to regulate tourist spots
The authorities in Lisbon have decided to prohibit the movement of electric rickshaws across 337 streets in the city, including popular tourist areas.
Lisbon's authorities, in the capital of Portugal, have announced a ban on the movement of electric rickshaws, known as tuk-tuks, on 337 streets within the city. These restrictions mainly impact areas favoured by tourists, such as the old town. This decision follows several years of protests from various groups highlighting the proliferation of these vehicles in the city.
The ban was introduced after numerous complaints from residents, taxi drivers, and public transport operators who demanded a reduction in the number of rickshaws. Currently, there are about 1,000 of these vehicles operating in Lisbon, which, according to city authorities, is an excessive number.
As reported by Lisbon City Hall, from 1st April, increased patrols will monitor compliance with the new regulations. The objective is to ensure that the ban is enforced effectively, which is expected to enhance the quality of life for residents and better organise tourist traffic in the city.
The Mayor of Lisbon is content with the changes
The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, is openly satisfied with finding a solution to the problem his city has faced for several years. He believes that imposing these restrictions is "a step in the right direction". He emphasises that the presence of tuk-tuks in the city was unregulated for a long time, leading to significant issues.
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.
As the portal adds, inspections will concentrate on the movement restrictions of "tuk-tuks." The main areas to be scrutinised are Baixa Pombalina, Encosta do Castelo, and Belém.
