The humble auto-rickshaw that is ubiquitous on Indian streets has become increasingly visible in Britain, with Worcestershire becoming the latest county to grant it a licence.
For some years, this cheaper form of transport -- better known here as 'tuk-tuk' -- has been in operation in areas such as Brighton town and parts of London.
Its operation, however, has been controversial.
Taxi owners who had been facing losses due to auto-rickshaws complained about its safety and environment aspects, but recent reports indicate that this form of transport, imported mostly from India, is gaining in popularity.
Now residents of Inkberrow, a village in Worcestershire, will soon have a regular auto-rickshaw service after the county granted local resident Terry Clay a licence to run it. The vehicle is being supplied by a Bidford-based company.
Clay said he came up with the idea after retiring from the motor trade in February.
"It's ideal for running around the village. There's a need for it in Inkberrow. We have a fair amount of the older generation in the village and for those who have a problem walking it allows easy access," Clay said.
For a small fee, passengers can use it for trips to and from the village church, post office, doctor and pubs or hire it for special occasions such as proms and weddings.
Graham Simms, licensing unit leader for Wychavon District Council, which granted the licence, said, "It will be useful in that community to have a vehicle that is cheap, accessible and fun. The licensing sub-committee was keen on it being in a fairly limited area. There were letters of support from surgery and businesses alike."
"We like leading the way, and this is the first tuk-tuk to be licensed in Worcestershire."
