Ride-hailing drivers protest in Albufeira against new restrictions – Portugal Resident

More than 100 ride-hailing (TVDE) drivers protested outside Albufeira Town Hall today (July 24), demanding the reversal of new restrictions that prevent them from picking up passengers in some of the town’s busiest areas.

The demonstration follows the municipality’s decision to ban TVDE vehicles from parts of Albufeira Old Town and the nightlife district around Rua da Oura, where mayor Rui Cristina says the growing number of ride-hailing vehicles is causing traffic congestion and making it difficult for emergency services to get through.

Drivers, however, argue the measures are illegal, discriminatory and were introduced without any consultation with the sector.

“We have the right to work anywhere in the country,” protester José Antunes told Rádio Renascença. “Mister Rui, if you’re watching, I’m a Chega member and I say this: you’re not the king of Albufeira.”

“No dialogue”

The National TVDE Movement Association (ANM-TVDE) said the municipality had failed to consult the industry before introducing the restrictions, despite the association previously submitting proposals aimed at improving traffic management.

“At no point was the association contacted as part of the decision-making process,” said Filipe Lopes, who represents the organisation. “We had already sent the municipality several proposals to improve the TVDE sector in Albufeira, but unfortunately they were ignored.”

Lopes also rejected the mayor’s suggestion that passengers could simply walk to their vehicles outside the restricted areas.

“That isn’t true,” he said, arguing that the restrictions had already affected passengers with reduced mobility who were unable to access the historic centre.

He called for designated pick-up and drop-off areas that would allow drivers to continue operating while addressing congestion concerns.

Mayor defends measures

Mayor Rui Cristina, who was elected last year by Chega, has defended the restrictions, arguing that the concentration of TVDE vehicles in the busiest parts of the town has created traffic chaos, particularly during the peak tourist season.

He has also pointed to the large number of drivers travelling to Albufeira from elsewhere in Portugal to work during the summer.

The restrictions, introduced on Thursday, cover parts of Albufeira Old Town, the southern section of Avenida da Liberdade, the Rua da Oura nightlife area and surrounding streets.

Cristina has described the measures as a trial and said they could eventually be extended to other parts of the municipality if they prove successful.

The protest comes as industry representatives continue to argue that municipalities do not have the legal authority to regulate where TVDE vehicles can operate, maintaining that such powers rest with the State.

The association has called on the municipality to suspend the restrictions and open talks with the sector to find alternative solutions that reduce congestion without preventing drivers from serving customers.