Palermo City Council Approves Phase-Out of Horse-Drawn Carriages

The Palermo City Council voted unanimously to amend the municipal regulation on animal traction, launching a six‑month programme to replace horse‑drawn tourist carriages with electric vehicles. The resolution, supported by all 17 council members present, also includes provisions to protect the jobs of current carriage operators during the transition.

The City’s Urban Services Office (SUAP) will coordinate with the Motor Vehicle Authority to identify suitable electric alternatives and manage the technical conversion process. A parallel decree on animal welfare, previously stalled, was also approved, reinforcing the city’s commitment to modern, sustainable tourism while respecting animal rights.

Local representatives of the Generazione Palermo movement, Domenico Bonanno and Viviana Raja, described the measure as a “significant step toward change,” emphasizing that the initiative aims to preserve employment levels and prevent further reliance on horse power during heat waves.