Tuktuk excursions have been stopped in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, following routine inspections of the vehicles conducted by the Local Police and the Department of Transport and Urban Mobility, uncovered a series of regulatory violations.
The authorities have warned that any continued operation of these electric vehicles may result in them being confiscated.
While other locations are working to establish specific regulations for tuk-tuks, Maspalomas, one of Spain’s top three tourist areas by overnight stays, has decided to completely ban them.
According to the local council, several infractions were discovered during the inspection, prompting legal action against the only company offering these services. This company, which operated a fleet of 10 tuk-tuks, each capable of carrying six passengers plus a driver, was found to be operating without proper authorisation.
The issues identified included a lack of a transport permit from the Cabildo and the absence of complaint forms which are required by law. In addition, the driver of the tuk-tuk stopped during the inspection, didn’t-t speak any of the languages required for tourist guides.
As a result, tour operators that had been selling the tuk-tuk excursions in Maspalomas have been forced to cancel their contracts.
The company had been offering daily 90-minute family tuktuk excursions for €149, picking up clients from their hotels and taking them to key tourist sites such as the Maspalomas Dunes and viewpoints in San Agustín and Avenida de Francia. They were also given a complimentary gift, including local delicacies like Moya biscuits and bottles of mojo sauce.
This sudden halt in tuk-tuk operations has raised questions about the future of such excursions, and may prompt a broader discussion about tourist mobility options in the region.
