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Two Tuk Tuks have made it to the streets of Leeds. A motorised version of the traditional rickshaw the quirky three-wheeled vehicle has a top speed of around 35 mph.

The name 'tuk tuk' derives from the evocative sound made by its traditional two-stroke engine and the vehicles are an important part of transport in many parts of the world. Now keep your eyes peeled for them whizzing around the city centre.

John Stainthorpe and Kevin Moore of Hopon have brought the vehicles to Leeds where they are now available for hire. According to John it is a very different way to experience Leeds.

"Because it is open to the air it gives you a real feel for the atmosphere of the city. I know that within 10 seconds of being in the back of a tuk tuk you will be laughing, it's a real fun thing."

The tuks tuks are available for hire by the hour but are not a taxi service, although John says there are plans to put in an application for a private hire licence.

Currently the vehicles provide a chance for unusual company promotions and for making an impression for that special occasion. John claims that business is brisk and that clients using the tuk tuk include estate agents, bars and nightclubs.

Tuk tuks are very popular in Bangkok

If you have been lucky enough to experience a traditional tuk tuk ride in its south east Asia home it can be a rather hair-raising situation, for passengers used to the more sedate traffic in the UK, the tuk tuks are mobile enough to weave in and out of busy urban traffic often within a whisker of other road users.

However, the Leeds vehicles are manufactured to EU standards and comply with all the requirements for UK roads. They are fitted with passenger and driver seatbelts as well as a hood to keep out the rain. John Stainthorpe promises a smooth ride in Leeds.

"The road infrastructure is better and we'll abide by the rules of the road."