Pedal rickshaws similar to those seen on the streets of Singapore could soon be taking tourists on pleasure rides around Shrewsbury’s riverside area, it was revealed today.

Businessman Philip Saltmarsh is bidding to introduced a fleet of pedicab tricycles to transport people around the town. They are currently seen in major cities including London, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

Mr Saltmarsh has initially asked the borough council for a licence to use one tricycle rickshaw – which would sit three passengers – up to three days per week to test the idea.

If it is successful he would look at introducing a small fleet to Shrewsbury.

Rides would start from the Square heading towards Welsh Bridge and along Victoria Avenue before returning back to the Square. Mr Saltmarsh also hopes to make the service available for special events, such as the Flower Show, as well as offering rides around the Quarry.

Fees for the rides would be about £1.50 for a single trip within the river loop and £1.50 per person per mile for longer journeys.

He said: “I believe the idea of running rickshaws arou-nd Shrewsbury would have several benefits to the town. It would fit in well with the current council proposals for making recreational use of the river again.

“Although the rickshaw is not enough on its own to bring visitors into the town it would provide an extra attraction when they do come and would therefore help to enhance their perception of Shrewsbury as a good place to visit.”

Mr Saltmarsh’s business plan will be considered by the authority’s licensing and safety committee on January 4. Meanwhile new licensing laws aimed at improving Shrewsbury’s taxi fleet will be introduced from January 1.

The borough council is bringing in an age policy for all hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. It means only vehicles below 10 years old will be allowed to operate.

Those between five and ten years will need to have two council inspection tests each year.

There will be an 18-month lead-in period, which will allow owners to update vehicles.

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