Impact Level: Notification

Locations Affected: Santa Maria Maior, Portugal

Tracking Id: RINTP298247306

Description:

As per reports, the President of the Santa Maria Maior Parish Council in Lisbon has presented a mobility proposal for the Lisbon parish, which envisages a daily reduction of 40,000 cars and a reduction in the speed limit to 30 km/h.

• Among the main measures, the Plan stipulates that in the parish, which is already a Reduced Emissions Zone (REZ), only electric or hybrid vehicles may circulate, in addition to exceptions* provided for, which will reduce vehicle traffic in this area by approximately 40,000 cars per day (currently, between 130 and 140,000 cars pass through Santa Maria Maior daily).
• The plan also establishes that the entire parish will be a zone with a maximum speed limit of 30 km per hour, controlled by radar and with warning lights.
• Suggestions have been received for Baixa district, between Rua do Ouro and Rua da Madalena, be further restricted, with the creation of a ZAAC (Restricted Automotive Access Zone) between Rua da Madalena and Rua do Ouro.
• ZAAC would also reduce traffic volume as well as provide for the establishment of two side streets providing restricted access to parking lots and hills, namely to Chiado Hill, via Rua do Ouro, and to Castelo Hill, via Rua dos Fanqueiros.
• Talks are underway to pedestrianize Rua dos Sapateiros, Rua Douradores, and, partially, Rua do Comércio (between Rua dos Fanqueiros and Rua do Ouro).
• For Rua da Prata, a “green axis” is planned, dedicated to soft mobility, but time slots are permitted for residents and the creation of exclusive parking spaces for residents with zone plates on Rua dos Fanqueiros, Rua da Madalena, and Rua do Crucifixo has also been proposed, as well as for loading and unloading of duly authorized vehicles.
• There are plans to define operating zones for tourist entertainment vehicles, such as tuk-tuk and TVDE for pickup and dropoff services, not exceeding 15 minutes, for the block between Rua da Madalena, Rua do Comércio, Rua dos Fanqueiros, and Rua da Alfândega.

Background:

*The exceptions for circulation in the Santa Maria Maior ZER are residents (with double validation by the Junta de Comércio and EMEL) and people with reduced mobility, vehicles for accessing parking lots, emergency and rescue vehicles and security forces, loading and unloading operations, public transportation and taxis (only with reduced emissions), Junta and City Hall vehicles, and tourist entertainment vehicles.

Impact:

The mobility plan is still being deliberated upon by residents, business owners, and experts, and would be implemented upon its successful ratification. However, since talks have begun, some amount of restrictions on tourist vehicles can be anticipated in the near future.

Sources:
• https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-08-01/calls-for-lisbon-traffic-limits/187362