Senator Michael Fahy has reassured taxi drivers that tourists would be able to hire quadricycle vehicles — not rental cars — through proposed changes to the Motor Car Act.

Mr Fahy, the tourism minister, revealed he has met with taxi and minibus drivers to discuss the planned amendments that provoked a storm of protests and a withdrawal of labour from drivers in July.

He said he would hold further discussions to resolve outstanding issues on the matter before tabling an amended bill in the House of Assembly in November.

According to Mr Fahy, the legislation would allow the rental of quadricycles, or “minicars”, to “enhance the products available to our visitors”.

In July, Mr Fahy put the Bill on hold after drivers raised road safety concerns about potential congestion, and warned about the impact on businesses.

Some taxi drivers refused to work on Saturday, July 16, and drove around the island in procession with signs saying “no rental cars”.

In a statement this afternoon, Mr Fahy said he had met with stakeholders to discuss the issue.

“I am pleased with the suggestions made by the various stakeholders and I undertook to make a number of changes to give comfort to the industry about the intent of Government, and that is to allow for rental of quadricycle vehicles in Bermuda — not regular cars,” he stated.

“I reiterated that there is no intent of any kind to allow for a full rental vehicle market in Bermuda. The bill, as tabled, restricts the size of such vehicles to be allowed on the road.

“We shall also be tabling regulations in relation to the cycle and quadricycle liveries and other road safety matters.

“The government is committed to enhancing the products available to our visitors and it is anticipated that the use of such vehicles will have a minimal impact on our industry partners. There are a number of other items that need to be addressed with respect to transport and I look forward to continuing discussions with industry partners to resolve standing issues.

“The amended bill will be tabled in the November session.”