Hopes for three-wheeled transport in Bermuda have been dashed after plans to introduce the "scoot-car'' were turned down by Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown.

Former UBP MP, Quinton Edness and entrepreneur John Powell found the vehicle on separate searches but were united when the manufacturer, Funtech, realised it was talking to two different people who wanted the same thing for the same place.

The two entrepreneurs brought one of the vehicles to the Island last year and have been putting it through its paces on the Island's roads.

The 50cc, three-wheeled, two-seater has found worldwide acceptance in tourist destinations like Florida, Australia, San-Francisco and Barbados, but was deemed "unsuitable'' for Bermuda's roads.

Mr. Edness said he was interested in the scoot-car as he was looking for a safer way of moving around the Island.

It had been planned to sell the vehicle to the general public, as well as use it as an alternative tourist rental.

But almost a year after his application to have the vehicle approved for use on the Island's roads, Mr. Edness was sent a letter by Transport Minister, Dr.

Ewart Brown saying the vehicle was "unsuitable''.

In the letter, Dr. Brown said he had consulted with various committees including Technical Officers at the Ministry of Transport, the Technical Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Transport, the Private Cars and Cycles Advisory Committee and the Transportation and Planning Team.

The letter said: "I regret to inform you that I made the decision to refuse the vehicle based on the premise that it is unsuitable, having regard for the preservation of road safety and the amenities of Bermuda.'' Mr. Edness wrote back saying he was surprised at the negative decision and said: "I would have thought that something more specific would be more forthcoming.'' Mr. Edness was also confused by the reference to the "preservation of road safety,'' as the reason he wanted to import the vehicle was because it had three wheels and was much safer than bikes with two wheels.

"I cannot believe that a three-wheeled cycle is not as safe as a two-wheeled cycle,'' said Mr. Edness.

He also said he had strong representation from the public, as well as tourists, to use the vehicle, and many mothers had said the vehicle seemed much safer for their children.

He said there were no legal issues as: "There is an opinion that it falls within the legal definition of cycles that can be used in Bermuda.'' Mr. Edness could not believe that he was not given any specific reasons for the vehicle being refused. So he wrote back to Dr. Brown on April 26 asking for clarification as to what specific reason the vehicle failed to be approved, and reasoned that he could possibly approach the manufacturer and ask them to redesign certain aspects of the vehicle to make it acceptable.

Mr. Edness received a response from Dr. Brown a week later saying: "I have received and read your letter.'' And nothing has been heard since.

"I would like to have answers to why you turned it down so that we could know what you would accept,'' said Mr. Edness in an appeal to Dr. Brown And he added: "This is a terrible way to do business.

"We need to have safer transportation in Bermuda for people who wish to ride a bike, for both locals and tourists,'' said Mr. Edness.

And he said that Bermuda was fast becoming known as a jurisdiction that is no longer safe due to visitors having accidents on bikes and the increase in handbag snatches and so on.

"The three-wheeled bike will help them (tourists) to have fun, and make them more mobile,'' said Mr. Edness.

And he said the same was true for locals.

The scoot-car is still on the Island although its temporary licence will run out soon, and when asked what would happen to it, Mr. Edness said he could possible ride it around a piece of private property.

The scoot-car runs a standard car-like driving configuration and features a boot, rooftop, windscreen wipers, headlights and indicators.

Shadow Transport Minister, Erwin Adderley has ridden the scoot-car and said: "The Minister needs to clarify how he can see that this has a negative impact on road safety and how it contributes negatively to Bermuda's amenities.'' Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown is currently off the Island, and The Royal Gazette was told that the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Herman Tucker was unavailable for comment yesterday afternoon.

Transport Control Director, Kevin Monkman was also unavailable for comment.

Unsuitable scootable: Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown has said that the "scoot-car'', seen above in a file photo, is unsuitable for Bermuda's roads.