No Driving on Main Street During Traditional Monkey Feeding Times

Gibraltar, known for its famous Barbary macaques, has an unusual transport-related custom rooted in local history and animal welfare concerns. It is traditionally observed that during specific daily times when the monkeys are fed—especially near the Upper Rock area—drivers are expected to avoid using Main Street and adjacent roads. While not a formally codified law, this practice is deeply embedded in Gibraltar’s community habits and municipal advisories. The reason stems from both the unpredictable movements of the macaques around vehicles and a longstanding local respect for the animals, which have lived on the Rock for centuries and are considered a symbol of the territory. Excess vehicle traffic during feeding times could cause danger to both the animals and drivers, and also interfere with the traditional feeding rituals that attract tourists and locals alike. Over time, this custom has evolved into a kind of informal transport regulation, showing how history and local customs can shape travel behavior in small but meaningful ways.