Unlicensed London pedicabs that have got away with ripping off customers for almost 30 years are to be regulated. Legislation has passed through Parliament today (Tuesday, March 26), meaning passengers, pedestrians and other road users will be safe from ‘anti-social operators’.
It comes after a MyLondon investigation in November revealed that pedicabs offer up to £50 for a ten minute ride. Reporter Adrian Zorzut wrote that riders were ‘tense’ and accused him of being a police officer.
But, they still wanted him to pay £20 for a five-minute trip. A rider also told MyLondon that they charging price six times higher than an Uber driver is ‘fair’. This was after an American tourist was charged £250 for a five-minute ride in October.
READ MORE: New task force would ‘deter’ hate crimes on London buses and Underground
In August, Westminster City Council claimed passengers were being charged close to £500 for 10-minute trips across the West End. Now, the Pedicabs (London) Bill gives Transport for London (TfL) powers to crack down on rogue pedicab drivers by regulating fares and improving safety standards – bringing the industry into line with other forms of transport in the capital.
The Government says that the legislation, which is set to receive Royal Assent from King Charles III in the coming weeks, aims to close a legal loophole which has meant the industry in London is not regulated.
This has seen some customers, including tourists, exposed to ‘eyewatering fares, dangerous driving and antisocial behaviour’ on the city’s streets.
But new statutory powers would mean TfL will be able to decide when, where, and how many pedicabs can operate, to ensure they do not cause a ‘hazard’ to pedestrians and other motorists.
Drivers in breach of this legislation could face having their license revoked, their pedicab confiscated or a fine of up to £2,500.
Exactly what the new law would mean
Here is a breakdown of what the new law would mean, according to the Government:
- Conferring powers on TfL to bring forward a licensing regime for pedicabs, in a similar way to local authorities throughout the rest of England and Wales
- Providing TfL with the ability to introduce fare control to combat overcharging on pedicab services and protect consumers from being ripped off
- Allowing TfL to set standards for operators, drivers, and their vehicles to improve the safety of pedicabs, as well as introducing insurance requirements and ensuring vehicles are road worthy
- Ensuring that pedicab drivers undergo criminal record and right to work checks before being allowed to carry passengers in the same way that drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles must do, allowing passengers to use pedicabs with confidence and cutting crime
- Giving TfL powers to take steps to improve congestion and tackle issues such as highways obstruction. TfL will be able to restrict the presence of pedicabs in certain areas, at certain times. This will help improve road safety and traffic-related issues in central London
- Enabling enforcement action against those operating without a licence or outside their licence conditions, including civil sanctions and criminal offences. Since being introduced, it has received widespread support in both Houses, as well as from businesses across London
Roads and Local Transport Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “For too long, rogue pedicabs have taken advantage of the lack of rules around fares and licensing, so we’re taking action to close that loophole.
“We know this issue has caused real concerns about the impact on safety and traffic, from clogging up bus lanes to blaring loud music, and this common-sense law will help to put businesses at ease and end the chaos in hotspots like Soho and Covent Garden.”
Don’t miss out on the biggest stories from across the city. Sign up to MyLondon’s The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.
