Horse-drawn cab operators will, for the first time, have to obtain a licence after passing a test on customer service, traffic regulations and animal care and grooming, according to proposed regulations.

They will also have to be covered by an insurance policy and may have their operators’ licence suspended, or even withdrawn, if they breach any of the regulations.

As things stand, karozzini, as they are known in Maltese, used for commercial purposes are not regulated and not all operators have a licence or insurance cover.

The Transport Ministry yesterday published draft regulations for a four-week consultation period. They aim to regulate the use of animal-drawn vehicles on the road.

The publication of the regulations was the result of extensive consultation and discussions between Transport Malta, horse cab owners and the Animal Welfare Council, which would be issuing a separate set of regulations related to animal welfare, a ministry spokesman said.

In relation to karozzini, the regulations aim to improve the quality of the service. They spell out various obligations including the correct charging of fares, which have been capped, the issue of fiscal receipts and requirements relating to carriage equipment.

The regulations oblige operators to maintain and clean any shelters installed. Transport Malta is discussing the installation of these shelters with the horse cab owners.

The regulations specify a number of pre-determined routes covering the main tourist areas such as the Valletta Waterfront, the Valletta ring road, Sliema, St Julians, Rabat, Mdina, St Paul’s Bay and Buġibba.

Failure to abide by the regulations would result in automatic suspension of the licence, together with penalties. Penalty points will be charged to the operator or driver accumulating in such a way as to potentially lead to the withdrawal of the licence.

The draft regulations also govern animal drawn vehicles for private use with road safety being the main priority. This includes the introduction of licensing requirements both for the driver and the vehicle.

The regulations also set out rules on the operation to ensure vehicles and animals are safe and fit for use, cartwheels do not damage road surface and roads are kept clean from animal excrement.

They prohibit horse racing on public roads except for traditional races held on specific days of the year in specific locations and limit circulation on certain arterial and distributor roads during particular times of the day or completely prohibit it on certain roads.

The draft regulations can be downloaded from mitc.gov.mt and feedback can be sent by e-mail to karozzini.mitc@gov.mt until March 18.