The news that the Lisbon City Council is preparing a series of measures regarding the circulation of tuk-tuks in the city has been around since August 2024, but only now are the rules to be imposed known, including a ban on this means of transport in the city’s Historic Center.
Limiting the access of tuk-tuks to this area of the capital is the same as saying that they cannot circulate in around 337 streets. And this ban takes effect from April 1st.
Improving circulation in the city
The focus of this measure is clearly to reduce the negative impact of these vehicles on traffic and on residents’ daily lives, taking into account a better balance between this type of tourist activity and the quality of urban mobility.
The number of tuk-tuks in Lisbon is considered to be very high, precisely because there are so many of them that they limit the mobility of people and vehicles, on the sidewalks and on the roads, respectively.
This decision is in line with what seems to be a trend, not only in Portugal but in all tourist destinations where this type of transportation operates.
The regulation and even restriction of the use of these vehicles in historic urban areas is due to the various constraints in the capital’s narrow streets, noise pollution and, of course, the already constant complaints from residents where tuk-tuks are most concentrated.
According to the Lisbon City Council’s official order, this measure is divided into three points:
- A ban on traffic and parking in 337 streets located in parishes such as São Vicente, Arroios, Penha de França, Avenidas Novas, Santo António, Misericórdia and Santa Maria Maior;
- Limiting traffic in the areas most affected by tourism and heavy traffic;
- Regulate this type of service, in order to balance the real needs of residents with tourist activity.
We recall that last August, Lisbon had already implemented some measures, such as
- Approval of a regulation to reduce the number of licenses issued to these vehicles;
- Creation of specific parking lots;
- Specific restrictions for electric vehicles, as a way of promoting sustainability;
- Professional training for tuk-tuk drivers.
The ban on the circulation of tuk-tuks in Lisbon’s Historic Center reflects a wider effort to deal with the challenges of over-tourism in the city, and this service is also one of the reasons why news like this is starting to circulate on the Internet.
According to the Público newspaper, the new regulations are still being prepared, and will then be put up for public discussion and finally approved by the Municipal Assembly.