London pedicab crackdown will see an end to ‘rip-off fares’ and ‘blaring music’
London’s rickshaw drivers are set to face regulation for the first time, with new rules designed to curb exorbitant fares and excessive noise from pedicabs.
Under the upcoming Transport for London (TfL) scheme, operators will need to be licensed, demonstrate English language proficiency, pass a safety test and hold at least a driving theory test certificate.
The move follows concerns raised by MPs who have previously described parts of the capital as a “Wild West” due to unregulated pedicabs.
Cases where tourists were charged “hundreds of pounds” for journeys lasting less than 10 minutes were highlighted.
One notable case was a tourist who paid more than £450 for a seven-minute, mile-long journey with her two children. These measures aim to bring order to the city’s pedicab services.
But now TfL has proposed a cap on all rickshaw fares. Under the proposals, passengers would be charged a base charge of a maximum of £5, then £1 per minute for the first passenger and £3 for each additional passenger thereafter.
Drivers will also need a license for their vehicle, at a cost of £100 and £114 for themselves. Both will last one year.
Both the new driving license regime and maximum journey fares will come into force from 30 October this year.
TfL said the new charges will ensure pedicabs continue to deliver income in excess of the London Living Wage and will be reviewed as the sector evolves.
In addition to their expensive prices, pedicabs have faced criticism for creating traffic problems by parking in bus lanes or violating one-way rules, while a lack of regulation has led to concerns that many lack basic safety features.
As well as banning external sound, the new standards will require pedicabs to be road legal, be fitted with a license plate and be regularly checked for safety and roadworthiness.
Pedicab operators will need to have premises in London and carry out fire risk assessments and essential staff DBS checks.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “After years of campaigning, I am delighted that TfL will now regulate pedicabs in the capital to ensure they meet appropriate operational standards.
“Pedicabs should be a fun way to explore London but people are often faced with rip-off fares, loud music and unsafe behaviour.
“We are introducing these new rules so that both customers and drivers can benefit from a safer, more reliable and professional industry.
“This will play a key role in supporting our vital night-time economy and enabling more people to enjoy everything our great city has to offer, as we continue to build a safer, fairer and greener London for everyone.”
