New Tuk Tuk regulations in Lisbon set for Summer
Lisbon will introduce new regulations for Tuk Tuks starting next summer, announced Filipe Anacoreta Correia, Vice President of the Lisbon City Council. The official emphasized that the proposed regulatory model is “innovative” and has been developed in close collaboration with industry stakeholders, ensuring the process is being handled “dynamically” by the municipality.
In statements to the Lusa news agency, Filipe Anacoreta Correia expressed his aim to have the regulations in effect by the 2025 tourist season. “My goal was for it to be operational for next year’s tourist calendar. I would like it to be ready before summer, but my objective wasn’t summer; it was, in fact, at least before Easter. We’ll try to see if it’s possible next year,” he stated.
Innovative regulation and vehicle reduction
The proposal, which received initial approval in early November, is currently under public consultation and will be discussed at a municipal executive meeting by the end of the year. The main objective of the regulation is to halve the number of Tuk Tuks operating in the city, with the possibility of future adjustments if necessary.
“Initially, it will even be less than half, with the possibility of expansion if this need is verified,” explained the vice president. However, the official acknowledged the complexity of the process, citing legal disputes faced by other municipalities implementing similar regulations.
Among the new rules is the creation of exclusive parking spaces for Tuk Tuks, which will require a specific license to use these areas, in addition to the authorization already required. The municipality is also considering expanding the restriction of streets to these tourist vehicles to better organize mobility in the city.
Context and next steps
In July of this year, the Lisbon City Council had already announced plans to limit Tuk Tuk parking locations and reduce the number of licenses issued as part of an effort to regulate the activity and minimize negative impacts on traffic and residents’ quality of life.
The regulation project, titled “Regulation of Non-Heavy Vehicles for Tourist Entertainment in the Municipality of Lisbon,” is currently under public consultation for a period of 20 working days. After this phase, the document will be submitted to the Municipal Assembly for discussion and potential approval, which is expected to take place by the end of the year.
With this initiative, the Lisbon City Council aims to improve the organization and regulation of tourist transportation in the capital, balancing tourism development with the quality of life for Lisbon’s residents. These new measures represent a significant step in managing urban mobility and sustainability, reflecting the municipality’s commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence between visitors and locals.