Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Traffic Legislation

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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513. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why rickshaws are not regulated as there are concerns for public safety and the loss of income for taxi drivers who are regulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7439/16]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Rickshaws are covered by road traffic law. Pedal-powered rickshaws come within the definition of 'pedal cycles' and powered rickshaws are classified as 'mechanically propelled vehicles'. They, like all other road traffic, are obliged to obey road traffic law. The measures which I introduced last year to allow An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge notices to cyclists also apply to pedal powered rickshaws and provide an important tool for An Garda Síochána in enforcing the law.

At present there is no legislation in place to regulate the carriage of passengers by rickshaws. Rickshaws by their nature operate at a local level. Local authorities regulate many activities at local level through bye-laws made under local government regulation.

I understand that, in response to some concerns - primarily of a health and safety nature - and having regard to legal advices, Dublin City Council is assessing the introduction of bye-laws to regulate rickshaws.

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