A 'tuk tuk' was stopped by local police last Tuesday circulating in the city centre (Image: AJUNTAMENT DE PALMA)
Majorca has launched a new war on 'tuk tuks' transporting tourists illegally through the streets of the city centre. The mayor of Majorca has warned that the council will 'act with the utmost strength' to stop the illegal transportation of passengers in these three-wheeled vehicles that are doing so without the adequate authoristation. The city council has not granted any authorisation for these 'tuk tuks' to operate, meaning that the transport of passengers using such vehicles is not permitted.
In a statement, the city council reiterated Article 46 of Law 4/2014, of 20 June on land transport and sustainable mobility of the Balearic Islands which states that these vehicles with less than four wheels need authorisation and a municipal license. The law also states that vehicles operating without the corresponding authorisation is a very serious offence, punishable by fines ranging from about £854 to £5,122.
Sign saying "Majorca is not for sale" (Image: Getty)
In the event of a repeat offence within 24 months, the fine may also be increased by up to 50% of the maximum amount.
Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, said: "We are going to act with all the firmness necessary to prevent the development of this activity, which is not authorised and never will be, because in our mobility plan we have no plans to authorise this type of passenger vehicle."
He said that the compliance with the regulations is essential to guarantee the safe mobility of all residents as well as those coming to visit Palma.
Local police already stopped one of these vehicles on April 1, which was illlgally carrying passengers in the centre of the city.
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Many 'tuk tuk' guided tours can be found online where they offer tours of the cathedral, the old town, passing by the port, as well as the Bellver Castle from about £21 per person.
The Balearic Government, recently announced a series of "tourism containment measures” including wanting to raise the Sustainable Tourism Tax to £5 per person, per night during the peak summer months.
The government also proposed a ban on new tourist accommodations in residential apartment buildings.
Last weekend, on Saturday 5 March, hundreds of thousands took to the streets across Spain including in Palma where thousands marched to protest against unaffordable housing and overtourism, many of them holding signs which read : "Majorca is not for sale".
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