The battle between Palma’s city hall and rogue tuk-tuk tours is rumbling on, despite official claims the three-wheeled tricycles had been driven off the streets. The council pledged a firm response earlier this year, banning the sightseeing vehicles from operating without a licence. For a while, it appeared the message had got through. But one operator is still being spotted in the city – passengers on board – particularly around the Moll Vell marina.
Since the tours began in March, officials have filed seven complaints against three companies for providing unlicensed passenger transport. In May, the council ordered the entire fleet to be immobilised, but the measure was never enforced, largely because most operators disappeared voluntarily after warnings. Two of the three have not been seen since.
The third, however, remains active. Its website lists a pick-up point just metres from the Guardia Civil post at Moll Vell. Locals say the vehicle has also been seen on C/ Palau Reial and near Porto Pi. The taxi drivers’ union has called for urgent action. Police can only seize the vehicle if caught in the act of carrying tourists.
Despite the ban, the company continues to advertise tours online, with prices from 60€ to 188€ for up to four passengers. Google reviews suggest it has been operating in recent days.
But business may not be brisk. A trial booking finds most time slots available at short notice. Even so, the firm has promoted its tours all summer on social media, urging visitors to “discover Palma like never before… from a tuk-tuk!”
Another sanctioned company is also taking bookings online, though its distinctive yellow vehicles have not been spotted since the crackdown. City officials stress that under the Balearic Land Transport Act, providing such services without authorisation is a “very serious” offence, carrying fines of €1,001 to €6,000.