Lisbon wants to control irritating ‘tuk tuks’

In London, tourists are warned about the need to be careful over using bicycle rickshaws without knowing prices in advance and in Spain electric vehicles are replacing horse and carriages.

In Lisbon, Portugal there has been a huge expansion of the number of three wheeled ‘tuk tuks’ made popular in India and Thailand but the City Council is to take action to control their use.

Lisbon wants to control irritating ‘tuk tuks’ from April 1, 2025

Although some form of prohibition has been considered for some time, it appears that a decision has been made to ban the movement of these vehicles (of which there are said to be a large number) from no less than 337 streets in seven parishes of the Portuguese capital with effect from April 1 of this year.

The intention is to ensure that residents in the historic areas of the city are not bothered by the noise of these often poorly manufactured vehicles and to try to cut down traffic jams and parking obstructions as their drivers try to find customers.

Even though there is a clear intent to introduce this legislation which may also affect other tourist transportation, there will still be a need to put the concept and rules out for public consultation but the Council is fairly comfortable that the new rules will be approved.

Lisbon wants to control irritating ‘tuk tuks’ on hundreds of historic streets

Apart from the overall ban from the hundreds of historic streets it is also intended to restrict the number of parking spaces that drivers of ‘tuk tuks’ may use as well as limiting the number of licences that will be granted to drivers.

The City Council is determined to strike a fair balance between the services offered to tourists who generate large volumes of income for businesses in Lisbon whilst at the same time ensuring that local residents, especially those living in historic areas, are able to enjoy life with as little environmental damage or disturbance as possible.