British couple refuse to leave Indian rickshaw behind and send it to UK: Are tricycles allowed on British roads? | Today’s news
Most people return from vacation with photos, souvenirs, or souvenirs. However, British couple Helen and Mick chose a rather unconventional way to preserve the memories of their trip to India. After exploring the country for 75 days in an auto-rickshaw, they decided to bring the tricycle back to the UK rather than leave it behind.
The couple traveled 4,218 kilometers across India in their red and black Bajaj auto-rickshaw, which they affectionately named Timmy the Tin Can. Their road trip took them to several destinations, including Agra, where they visited the iconic Taj Mahal.
With cartoon eyes and a smiley face painted on the front, Timmy soon became more than just a vehicle for Helena and Mick. The autorickshaw became an integral part of their adventure and made it difficult for them to say goodbye at the end of the journey.
After spending 75 days traveling together, Helen and Mick were reluctant to leave their three-wheeler in India. After traveling thousands of kilometers with Timmy, they decided to arrange for him to be transported by sea to Britain.
Bringing your unusual travel companion home wasn’t an overnight affair, however. The couple had to wait approximately six months before being reunited with the vehicle.
When did Timmy Tin finally make it to Britain?
Their long wait ended on October 23, 2026, when Timmy arrived at London’s Gateway Port.
Helen and Mick announced the development via their Instagram account, recalling how they traveled 4,218 kilometers across India in an autorickshaw. They said they couldn’t imagine leaving her behind and expressed their happiness at finally seeing her reach British shores.
Although the autorickshaw has arrived in the UK, Helen and Mick still have a few formalities to go through before they can bring it home and hit the UK’s roads.
Are autorickshaws allowed on public roads in the UK?
Under official UK government guidance, the UK government requires imported vehicles to obtain vehicle approval to demonstrate that they meet UK safety and environmental standards.
For a three-wheeler imported from India, the owner may be required to apply for a single motorcycle approval (MSVA). This regime specifically applies to imported two-wheeled, three-wheeled and some four-wheeled vehicles.
How did Harsh Goenka react to the couple’s unusual story?
The couple’s unusual travel story also caught the interest of industrialist Harsh Goenka, who shared it on X.
“Indian tricycle heading to UK! From Indian roads to British streets, what a journey,” he wrote.
