European city ‘at limit’ with fears historic buildings could ‘sink into water’ | World | News

A European city is at its limit over fears its buildings could crash into the sea from waves caused by boats introduced by Uber.

The renowned ride-hailing app is set to introduce motorboat taxis to Venice’s famous canals to ferry tourists around the famous city.

However, the move has caused controversy and backlash from the gondoliers whose famous crews have been serving the city for centuries.

They have warned that not only will the new Uber motorboats make the canals even more crowded than they are now, but also that they could contribute to the buildings sinking into the sea.

Speaking to the Times, gondolier Stefano Vio, 65, warned that the Uber boats would add to a swell that could damage the foundations of the buildings.

Meanwhile, the president of the Venice Gondolier’s Association Andrea Balbi said that Venice was already at the limit with growing tourist numbers and the boats could only add to the problem.

He warned: “We are at the limit. We are able to manage the situation more or less at the moment but adding new boats will make work difficult, if not impossible.”

The duo’s comments come as fears rise that Venice, like other places in Europe, is becoming overwhelmed with a post-pandemic wave of tourists visiting the continent.

Local residents have started to warn that the city could be on the verge of collapse because of just how many people are visiting, thousands of whom are unlikely to be put off by the newly introduced £4.20 tourist tax.

Taking to Reddit, locals have argued that the new tax won’t have any impact at all. One person wrote: “How is the €5 tax supposed to help against tourist overcrowding in Venice?: ‘Oh no, I spent hundreds of euros on travel and hotels to get there, but €5 is too much! I’m going back to Indonesia!’”

Defending the tax, another user said: “The main reason for this tax is to try to alleviate overcrowding in the city on days when the number of visitors reaches such high peaks that they become unsustainable both for the city and for the (few) remaining inhabitants.”

Another local claimed that mass tourism had “killed the city” whilst another said it was now “unlivable” with “crazy prices” driving up the cost of living for people who call Venice home.

Express.co.uk has sent Uber a request for comment.