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The city of Palma is introducing new rules to ensure more order and security in everyday life from 2025. Image: Adobe Stock

New rules of etiquette for Palma

Palma de Mallorca is implementing stricter measures to address various issues. Efforts include cracking down on litter, imposing tighter regulations on electric scooter drivers, limiting city tours, and banning overnight stays in caravans. Additionally, the government is targeting three-card trick players with severe penalties.

The government of Palma, the capital of Majorca, has introduced new rules of etiquette. These measures focus less on partygoers at Ballermann and more on everyday life in the city. At a press conference, Mayor Jaime Martínez stated that the goal is to educate the public.

Drivers of electric scooters in particular will have to change their behaviour. In future, they will be required to wear a crash helmet and have liability insurance covering at least 120,000 euros. Anyone caught without will be fined 90 or 600 euros respectively. Scooters and bicycles will be allowed to ride in 40 km/h zones, but in the case of scooters only at a maximum permitted speed of 25 km/h.

New regulations to apply from 2025

After a 40-day objection period, the rules will come into force shortly after the beginning of the new year. According to Mayor Martínez, the new rules have the support of a significant portion of the population. He stated that leniency would be shown for violations committed by minors or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. To support these measures, the local police force will be expanded by 135 officers in the coming year.

Sleeping and living in caravans will no longer be permitted for locals or anyone unable or unwilling to afford the high rents. The mayor has previously criticized this practice as inhumane.

Mallorca is facing a housing crisis due to high rents and real estate prices. Many people are unable to afford rent, even with full-time jobs. The local government aims to direct these individuals to social services for support.

The new regulation is of interest to tourists on guided tours of the city. In future, city guides will have to be licensed and groups will not be allowed to exceed 20 people. Loudspeakers or megaphones will be banned.

The local government also plans to crack down on shell game operators who scam holidaymakers at Ballermann year after year. Fines for fraudulent gambling now range from €31,000 to €450,000.

(TN)

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