CAIRO's governor this week banned tuk-tuks – the three-wheeled auto-rickshaws renowned for their loud noise — through the capital's streets, issuing a fine of $190 to violators, according to official Egyptian media outlets. In a statement issued by Cairo's governor, the authorities will impound the vehicles of drivers caught flouting the ban.The statement did not mention the reason behind the decision, although road accidents are among the prime causes of death in the Arab world's most populous city. According to the statement, the decision bans auto-rickshaws the districts of western Cairo, Azbakeya, Abdeen, Moski, Waili, Bab Al-Shaeriya, Boulak Abul Ela and downtown Cairo. Following a report issued early last year from the State Commissioners Authority, which recommended the banning of tuk-tuks, the cabinet issued a decision suspending the vehicles and parts from being imported. The decision also asked tuk-tuk owners to acquire the necessary licenses before their vehicles are confiscated by the interior ministry. In its report, the authority argued that tuk-tuks pose a danger to security and health and are in violation of traffic, customs, import and export laws which regulate their presence. Furthermore, the report said that tuk-tuks are frequently used in robberies and are difficult to trace. — Al Arabiya News
