There could be a legal clampdown on rickshaws early in the New Year - even though the Government opposes it.

The Dáil last night voted to give the National Transport Authority the power to set new traffic laws for the human-powered vehicles.

Fine Gael had tried to block opposition parties from including rickshaws in the Road Traffic Bill 2016.

However, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin last night joined forces to pass an amendment which could take legal effect next month.

Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Imelda Munster welcomed the passing of the amendment.

Deputy Munster said: "I tabled this amendment to address a serious gap in legislation which had left rickshaw operators entirely unregulated. This is a serious road safety issue, and I am delighted that the amendment was successfully passed.

"I would like to see rickshaws operate in a licensed, regulated and tax compliant manner. This would ensure that our cities are safer for all road users including operators and passengers of rickshaws," she added.