There have been 139 accidents in Rome involving minicars from January to September this year. That figure corresponds almost exactly with the number of minicar accidents recorded in the capital during the same period last year. This is despite increased checks and penalties, and new licensing regulations coming into effect in April when passing a practical driving test became obligatory. There are 5,000 minicars in circulation in the capital.

Data shows that there has been a fall-off of up to 30 per cent in the number of people obtaining a licence to drive a mini car this year, reflecting the large volume of those who registered in the second half of 2010 before people aged between 14-18 were required to take a driving test to drive a minicar.

It is reported that the fees charged by Rome