Lisbon's Tuk-Tuks Face Major Restrictions: 337 Streets Off-Limits Starting April 1st!

Major Changes for Tuk-Tuks in Lisbon

Starting April 1st, a significant change will affect the operation of tuk-tuks in Lisbon, as 337 streets will be off-limits for these popular tourist vehicles. This initiative, announced by the Lisbon City Council, aims to enhance the organization of public space and improve urban mobility.

The decision comes after the city identified problematic areas where tuk-tuks have contributed to congestion and disorganization. The Municipal Police will now have 62 additional inspectors from EMEL (Municipal Parking Company) to enforce these new regulations, bringing their total to 280 inspectors. The focus will be on ensuring compliance with parking and circulation rules, particularly in congested areas like Baixa Pombalina and Belém.

President's Statement

Carlos Moedas, the president of the Lisbon City Council, expressed optimism about the measures, stating that a zero tolerance policy is necessary for areas heavily impacted by uncontrolled tuk-tuk operations. He emphasized the need for better control mechanisms for the number of tuk-tuks allowed in the city.

Increased Enforcement

In 2024 alone, the Municipal Police recorded a doubling of enforcement actions compared to the previous year, with 3,821 incidents noted. The most common violations include illegal parking (60% of total infractions), not wearing seatbelts, and overloading vehicles.

Streets Affected

The list of streets affected includes a variety of locations across different neighborhoods, such as:

• Misericórdia: Rua da Imprensa Nacional, Rua dos Prazeres
• Arroios: Calçada de Sant' Ana, Travessa da Pena
• Penha de França: Rua Carlos Ribeiro, Rua Estácio da Veiga

For a full list of affected streets, please refer to the official announcement from the Lisbon City Council.

This extensive measure aims not only to regulate tuk-tuks but also to promote a more organized and accessible urban environment for all citizens and visitors.