The Santa Cruz City Council has stated it will “not allow” the operation of tuk-tuks, motorised tricycle vehicles designed primarily to transport tourists at low prices, within the capital. Furthermore, it will impose penalties on those who park on public land, even if they are not doing so for commercial purposes, according to the councillor for Mobility, Evelyn Alonso.
Response to Taxi Associations
This statement follows complaints from the taxi associations Élite and La Gremial, which alerted DIARIO DE AVISOS to the arrival of tuk-tuks in the city “without anyone doing or saying anything”. They have threatened to take action if the council ultimately allows the introduction of a service they believe represents a direct “intrusion” into the taxi sector in the municipality.
No Authorisation Granted
In response, Alonso explained, “The City Council has not granted any authorisation to tuk-tuk companies to operate or engage in activities within the city, despite the fact that there are several registered vehicles circulating on the streets. I have spoken with the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands regarding this matter, and neither of these administrations has given permission for these vehicles to operate in Santa Cruz or on the Island.”
Local Plate Regulations
Additionally, she noted that “the tuk-tuks in the capital have blue license plates with white letters, which is typical for taxis or chauffeur-driven vehicles (VTC) aimed at tourists. This implies that they must have submitted some form of documentation to operate, though we do not know to whom. Therefore, I will send a letter to the General Directorate of Traffic to clarify the situation.”
Public Parking Prohibition
Alonso emphasised that “besides being unable to operate, tuk-tuks are also prohibited from parking on public land in any street in the capital, as I denied that request with a decree signed in November 2024. Currently, there exists a vacuum and misinformation regarding the permissions obtained.”
