New laws could see pedicabs regulated by TfL

By Hannah Neary, Local Democracy Reporter

Pedicabs are facing a huge crackdown as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced new laws.

The vehicles, also known as ‘rickshaws’, in the West End have been slammed for ripping-off tourists and playing loud music at night.

The Met Police and Westminster City Council have targeted ‘nuisance’ drivers during recent operations that have led to prosecutions but voiced frustration at their limited powers to tackle the issue.

Mr Shapps said new legislation will be introduced to control the vehicles, in what he called “the wild west of pedicabs or rickshaws”.

Mr Shapps told the transport committee on Wednesday of last week: “There isn’t any legislation which accurately enables any type of proper licensing or control.

“It’s time, it’s high time, I know Parliament has expressed interest through a series backbench bills that for one reason or another…have not proceeded through Parliament. We will do that on government time in the Transport Bill.”

The announcement was backed by Nickie Aiken, Tory for MP Cities of London and Westminster, who has called for tougher rules for pedicabs.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted that finally after a decade of trying to secure legislation to license pedicabs we have got it over the line.

The new laws, set to be announced on May 10, will be similar to Ms Aiken’s proposal last year.

If approved, pedicab drivers will need a license from TfL and the authority will be able to regulate the fees they charge for journeys.

Pictured top: A rickshaw