‘Ban disruptive loud music from pedicabs’, demands MP

By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter

An MP has launched a petition calling for an all-out ban on the use of amplified music by pedicab drivers.

Rachel Blake said her constituents in the Cities of London and Westminster wanted to see an end to “disruptive and unnecessary” noise by pedicabs in London’s busiest areas.

The petition, which launched last Thursday and is called Stop the Noise, demands Transport for London (TfL) includes a complete ban on noise to its new regulations.

Londoners have until March 7 to have their say on how pedicabs should be regulated after TfL launched a public consultation last month.

The consultation includes placing controls on pedicabs to prevent them from playing music at a certain level and at certain times of the day – but does not specify what those levels would be.

Ms Blake said: “For far too long, residents in the Cities of London and Westminster have had to endure amplified noise from pedicabs.

“From the West End to Westminster, these vehicles have created nuisance for communities who are seeking peace and quiet in their neighbourhoods. The impact on local residents, families, and businesses is undeniable—especially in the evenings and late at night.

“The noise disrupts daily life, impedes sleep and rest, and creates an atmosphere that undermines our quality of life.” She said the noise was “unnecessary and avoidable” and had been disrupting businesses and life at home for many residents.

She said: “While TfL works on new regulations, I’ve written to them, urging them to fully eliminate amplified noise in their upcoming rules.”

One local resident said her family is woken up most nights by loud pedicab drivers. She said: “They go up and down Oxford Street and they park outside many of the stores and blast music, sometimes at 2am and 3am in the morning.

“The noise bounces off the Oxford Street buildings and down the residential side streets. You just can’t rest or relax.

“It’s debilitating. You are always tense and stressed. There is always music outside and then there is intermittent quiet followed by noise. It drives me crazy.”

TfL is considering whether regulations and licensing requirements should also address driver conduct, such as playing loud music and causing disturbances. This would include potential restrictions on noise levels particularly at certain times of the day.

Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of licensing and regulation, said: “Pedicabs are the only form of unregulated public transport in London…with customers being charged well-documented rip-off fares.”

Among proposals being considered is forcing drivers to wear high vis vests, requiring them to buy insurance and making sure they have passed their driving test.

The transport body is also asking if fares should be based on time, distance and zones travelled and whether drivers should be allowed to set their own fares with passengers in advance.

Other proposals include allowing pedicabs to use existing bus and cycle lanes and creating designated pedicab stopping areas.

Earlier this month, the chair of the Soho Society, Tim Lord, called for an out-right ban on pedicabs. He said: “It was a mistake that this was unregulated. We’ve identified a whole series of harms. TfL just delayed the whole process [of regulation].

“I’ll be perfectly frank with you, if someone is injured in this intervening period, I believe it directly falls on the responsibility of the Mayor.”

Pictured top: A row of pedicabs outside the Lyceum (Picture: Westminster City council)