Government to back bill for regulating London pedicabs
TfL would be in charge of pedicab licencing and pricing
Last updated 9th Nov 2021
The Government intends to support a law that would require pedicabs in London to be regulated in a similar way to taxis and other private hire vehicles.
Enforcing the Pedicabs (London) Bill would mean that rickshaw drivers would need a licence from Trasport for London (TfL) to operate and the vehicles used.
Specifically, TfL would be given the power to regulate the prices pedicab drivers charge and the vehicles they use would have to be of a safe standard.
People have also been raising concerns about pedicabs being unregulated and complaining about the loud music on Twitter:
Environment minister Lord Benyon said: "The Government is aware of the long-standing concerns that pedicabs contribute to safety and traffic-related issues in central London.
"The current situation in London means that there are very few existing powers to control pedicab operations effectively.
Lord Benyon also emphasised that there are no requirements for drivers to undergo a criminal record or right to work checks.
He announced the Government will be supporting Conservative MP Nickie Aiken's Bill, which is due to have a second reading in the Commons on Friday (19th November).
He said: "The Government notes that there is currently a Private Member's Bill, which would enable Transport for London to regulate pedicabs in London being taken forward by Nickie Aiken MP, the Pedicabs (London) Bill.
"I'm pleased to be able to confirm that the Government intends to join the very long list pointed out by Baroness Stowell, and support this Bill."