Prague finally bans colorful rickshaws in city center

The City of Prague has finally taken action against rickshaws in the city, many of which are parked up outside Thai massage establishments in the historic center of the city. The Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed this week that these vehicles are being used for illegal advertising, and will no longer be allowed to appear on Prague’s streets.

“I am doubly happy, because a few years ago the Ministry of Industry and Trade dismissed imposed fines by the Prague Chamber of Commerce for the advertising, insufficient proof. That's when I tapped my forehead in disbelief,” said Adam Zábranský, head councilor of the City of Prague for property, legislation and transparency.

The rickshaws, often adorned in unsightly red and green with LED strips, have been a common sight in the historic center for several years. However, they have not only been a visual nuisance for many, but have also obstructed pedestrian traffic in highly populated areas, according to the City of Prague in a newly published press release.

Prague mayor Bohuslav Svoboda is pleased with the decision, stating that the city "does not deserve to have its streets littered with kitsch." He sees the ban as a step towards regulating “eyesores” in the metropolis.

The operator of the Thai massage establishments has long claimed that the rickshaws were used as means of transport for employees. However, after multiple inspections and public complaints, the Prague municipality determined that they were, in fact, being used for illegal advertising. A few years ago, the municipality fined operators for this violation and subsequently appealed to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

After careful consideration, the ministry has upheld the city's decision, stating that the rickshaws were designed to attract attention from pedestrians to enter the massage salons and were not equipped to operate on roads. Prague also claims that the vehicles lack mandatory equipment (for example, lighting or even brakes). The operator will now be required to pay the fine and remove the rickshaws and tarpaulin from the conservation area – for good.

I think that if something looks like an ad and acts like an ad, then it is an ad after all. I thank the trade department of the Prague municipality for the excellent work," concluded Zábranský.