At issue is a pilot project that aims to restrict the circulation of various tourist vehicles in the historic centre of Porto, by limiting tuk-tuk operators and tourist excursion buses.
The project will also limit the circulation of double-decker tourist circuit buses to two licensed companies ('hop on-hop off'), as well as not renew tourist train licenses, which in this case will only expire in March 2026.
On the sidelines of the executive's private meeting, in which the matter was discussed, the PSD councilor, Alberto Machado, stated that it was necessary to act on this sector which, without regulation, turns the city centre into “chaos”.
“We welcome this proposal”, he highlighted, congratulating the choice of the Alfândega and Camélias parks, ensuring that tourists are close to the city's main attractions.
“It is necessary to create a balance between the enjoyment of the city by tourists, but also by residents, traders and those who work here”, he added.
Asked whether this measure could jeopardise the viability of businesses such as tuk-tuks, Alberto Machado highlighted that “the historic centre of Porto is relatively small for the number of tuk-tuks that are in circulation”.
“Everything has to have a balance,” he noted.