Taxi Driver Online

Evening News (Norwich)

January 24, 2009 Saturday

Take one look at Dennis Carroll's set of wheels and you could be forgiven for thinking you were on the streets of Delhi or Bangkok.

But this tuc tuc - baby brother of the tuk tuk - is now a familiar sight on the streets of Norwich after the black cab driver from New Costessey spent 10 months and almost £2,000 restoring the unusual mode of transport which he spotted at the side of the road.

It has been the fulfilment of a 10-year dream for the father of five and grandfather of 14 whose fascination with the three-wheeled taxis has been fuelled by several trips to India over the years.

Mr Carroll loved the way the open aired tuc tucs tootled around busy cities in India but had no idea how to get one back to this country.

But it was while driving his cab around Norwich that he spotted one on a garage forecourt in Norwich. He snapped it up immediately, thinking it was one of the only ones in the country and perhaps the only one in East Anglia.

Since then he has worked hard to restore the vehicle, putting on a new roof and shipping in specially branded seats from Asia.

One important addition was seatbelts - something it never would have had in its history driving around India. He also added legitimate British number plates and lights.

He said: "I've been going to India for nine years and I always wanted one. One day I was going down Heigham Street and saw one outside a little shop as a gimmick.

"I went in and said is that for sale? And he said anything's for sale - so I bought it there and then. It was in a terrible state but I've done it up since."

Mr Carroll, who lives with his wife Marilyn who works on Norwich market, says the best bit is giving his grandchildren a ride and attracting dazzled stares from bystanders as he tootles round the city.

He said: "I don't know how long it's been in England but I believe it was used as a hop on hop off tourist taxi in Brighton - something I'd love to do in Norwich but right now I'm just happing driving my grandkids around.

"It's just a lovely little thing, absolutely adorable. I get more looks driving down the street in this than I would in a Ferrari. If anyone asked me to sell it I wouldn't for any money. No one in Norwich has even seen one. It gets a bit cold in winter but that's all part of the fun."

The unusual vehicle, which is also known as a rickshaw, cost just £64 to tax and £250 to insure as a 'tricycle'.

The furthest Mr Carroll has gone so far is a trip to Lowestoft - a 70 mile round trip done on just a gallon on petrol.

But he has not just used it for pleasure. Mr Carroll has put the vehicle to good use helping to earn over £15,000 for James Paget University Hospital with a charity fun run, and is looking forward to taking part in this year's event too.

To see a video of Mr Carroll's tuc tuc taking a trip round Norwich log onto www.eveningnews24.co.uk

Have you got a unique vehicle or hobby? Call Evening News reporter Rob Garratt or email rob.garratt@eveningsnews.co.uk

Technical data

Made by - Bajaj

Model - tuc tuc

Engine Size - 173cc

Wheel drive - 2x2

Max Speed - 45mph

Gears - Four, plus reverse

Fuel - Dual, gas and petrol

Mileage - 70 miles/gallon

Other unusual modes of transport

A Norwich man made the news when he drove a multi-coloured 1950s Filipino Jeepney across the world back to the city.

Paul Farbon bought the two-tonne bus while travelling in the Philippines before embarking on a six month, 13,000 mile journey through Thailand, Vietnam, China and Russia before finally arriving back in Norwich.

They look like a mode of transport from another planet and seem to defy the laws of gravity, but Norwich seems to be being invaded by people getting around on two-wheeled upright electronic devices.

Increasingly spotted on city streets, The Segway is an electronic gyroscope scooter which riders can accelerate up to 12mph on by leaning forward and brake by leaning back. Despite their popularity they are currently banned on Britain's roads and pavements.

In 1985 Sir Clive Sinclair launched a remarkable battery-assisted tricycle steered by handles on either side of the driver's seat.

Despite a top speed of just 15mph meaning it did not need a legal licence, the Sinclair 5 flopped, becoming an object of popular ridicule with only around 12,000 sold.
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