The PSD Parliamentary Group today visited the rent-a-car area at Madeira Airport, where it outlined changes to the regional rules governing the sector, including new requirements for parking, vehicle safety, company identification and a gradual transition towards more sustainable mobility.
Speaking during the visit, PSD deputy Bruno Melim said the new legislation was designed to address problems that had arisen, particularly in areas of high tourist demand, where rental vehicles were being left on public roads or occupying parking spaces intended for residents.
“Today, in the Region, rent-a-car companies need to have their own places to park their vehicles. Cars that are not rented can no longer be indiscriminately left on public roads or occupy parking spaces intended for residents,” he said.
Under the new rules, companies must provide clearly identified parking areas for vehicles that are not in use. According to Melim, these facilities must be located within a maximum radius of 15 kilometres of the company’s main establishment or busiest vehicle collection point.
The legislation also requires companies to have dedicated business premises with a physical customer service counter, strengthening the identification and accountability of operators in the Region.
“Companies now have to have premises dedicated to their activity, with a physical counter where tourists and residents can seek assistance. It is no longer possible for a company to operate solely from the owner’s home without a public-facing service point,” the deputy explained.
The revised framework also raises the minimum number of vehicles required to operate a rental business, introduces additional fleet safety requirements and creates a more comprehensive register of vehicles operating in the sector.
“We now have a more complete record of vehicles, fleets and the information associated with the activity. This will allow for more effective inspections and provide greater security for those hiring these vehicles,” Melim said.
He added that the legislation also aims to encourage companies to expand the number of electric vehicles in their fleets, taking into account the Region’s existing charging infrastructure.
Concluding, Melim said the objective was to create “a more organised, safer and more transparent sector that continues to meet the needs of tourism while reducing pressure on parking and public spaces in the municipalities experiencing the highest demand.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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