Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015
353. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce regulations or legislation governing the use of rickshaws, trikes and other novelty-type vehicles; if so, if he will provide a timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36917/15]
View answerVehicles of the type referred to by the Deputy are in fact covered by road traffic law, and must comply with legislation.
The Road Traffic Acts define pedal tricycles as coming within the definition of 'pedal cycles.' Pedal-powered rickshaws are also comprehended within this definition. They, like all other road traffic, are obliged to obey road traffic law. The measures which I introduced during the summer to allow An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge notices to cyclists also apply, by this definition, to tricycles and to pedal-powered rickshaws.
Rickshaws can be either mechanically-propelled or mechanically-assisted. In the case of the latter, some rickshaws have pedal power with a motor as a subsidiary power source which may or may not be used. Vehicles of this type are classified as mechanically propelled and are, accordingly, covered by the Road Traffic Acts.
At present, there is no legislation in place to regulate the carriage of passengers by rickshaws. In response to concerns, primarily health and safety, Dublin City Council (DCC), following a consultation process with relevant stakeholders, have prepared draft bye-laws under the Local Government Act 2001 to regulate the operation of rickshaws. It is my understanding that DCC, subject to receipt of certain legal clarifications, intend to bring the draft bye-laws, which would provide a licensing regime for such rickshaw usage, before the next meeting of the Strategic Policy Committee of the Council for their consideration.
The Deputy has also referred to 'other novelty type vehicles.' I am not sure what, if any, types of vehicle the Deputy has in mind, but I would be happy to respond in more detail if he has specific concerns regarding specific types of vehicles.
