Opinion

Dublin rickshaw ban looms

While rickshaws have undoubtedly become increasingly popular with visitors to Dublin and other Irish cities, it is equally clear that the authorities are entitled to be alarmed about a range of issues concerning their use.

A recent survey produced overwhelming evidence of the vehicles routinely ignoring the rules of the road by weaving recklessly in and out of traffic, breaking red lights and driving in the wrong direction along one-way streets.

With a startling 57 per cent of passengers reporting either near misses or actual accidents, and dozens of drivers also arrested over drugs offences, there are obvious fears that serious injuries or even deaths could follow.

If a proper system of regulation cannot be found swiftly, then the total ban proposed by Irish transport minister Shane Ross yesterday may become the only option.