Pedicabs could be regulated in a similar way to taxis and private hire vehicles says Transport for London (TfL) which has launched a public consultation on the proposals.
The consultation, which is open until 7 March, asks Londoners whether rickshaws should face similar rules as those imposed on taxis and private hire vehicles but “tailored to the unique nature of the pedicab and the market they operate in”.
TfL is 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.
TfL is considering controls to prevent pedicabs playing music at certain levels and at certain times of the day, ensuring drivers are over 18 and that they have a full DVLA, Northern Ireland or other EEA state driving licence even though the mode of transport is usually pedal powered. The transport body also wants drivers to undergo UK and overseas criminal checks, meet medical fitness standards and have English language skills.
They are also asking whether drivers should be required to wear safety equipment, such as high visibility clothing, and purchase insurance. They are proposing regular pedicab vehicle inspections and ensuring drivers have the right to work in the UK and have a fixed address in London.
TfL said: “We recognise the importance of ensuring regulations are set at the correct level to enable pedicabs to be able to operate and offer a safe, professional and reliable service to passengers. It is also important that we consider the broader issues that have been raised with us such as addressing issues of fares charged to passengers and antisocial behaviour caused by loud music, parking and congestion.”
Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, said the consultation was a crucial step forward.
“We urgently need clear and effective regulations, particularly around safety, fare transparency and antisocial behaviour. I believe that these regulations should require a tough licensing process for drivers and their vehicles.
“I look forward to participating in the consultation and continuing to work towards a safer and regulated pedicabs service for both residents and visitors in London”.
The MP said she has also set up a Pedicabs Action Group and urged residents to get in touch.
Westminster City Council claimed passengers were being charged close to £500 for 10-minute trips across the West End. The Pedicabs (London) Bill, which allowed TfL to regulate rickshaws in the capital, received Royal Assent in April. A loophole in legislation meant pedicabs were not already regulated in London.
Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of licensing and regulation, wants Londoners to have their say on the proposals.
“Pedicabs are the only form of unregulated public transport in London and have an impact on the safety of the capital’s road network, as well as customers being charged well-documented rip-off fares, so we’re pleased to be able to launch this consultation. I’d encourage everyone to take part in our consultation and to have their say as people’s feedback will be vital to ensuring the changes work for everyone. We’re looking forward to working with the pedicab industry, to ensure it is run safely and fairly,” she said.
The proposals have been welcomed by two organisations representing businesses in the West End.
Dee Corsi, chief executive of New West End Company, said: “We welcome Transport for London’s progress with the Pedicabs Act. This new system will positively impact the West End, a global flagship destination. The consultation is a vital step towards ensuring passenger and pedestrian safety. We look forward to playing our part in shaping a safer and more professional pedicab service for all.”
Ros Morgan, chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance said: “It’s a positive step forward and we would like to see the new regulations introduced as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that vehicles are road worthy, adequate checks are introduced for drivers and that passengers are charged a fair price. Ultimately, we want to help protect the safety of passengers and minimise anti-social behaviour so that the West End retains its reputation as a world-leading destination.”
Will Norman, the mayor of London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “Pedicabs should be a fun and sustainable way for people to see London but, without regulation, some drivers are behaving unsafely or antisocially, and charging extortionate prices. I’m pleased that TfL are launching this consultation on how to regulate the pedicab industry, ensuring the safety of customers, pedestrians and other road users.”
In 2022, BBC News reported that many pedicab operators would welcome regulation.
Pedal Me owner Ben Knowles, who runs a fleet of pedicabs that transports cargo and people, told the BBC: “[Pedicabs] have been undermined by the business models under which they’re run and by the lack of regulation.
“So I’m really excited to see this regulation coming in because I think it might help boost standards across the industry and turn it into the reputable, useful service it always should have been.”
TfL says it will use the feedback from the consultation to develop the regulations it plans to introduce at a later stage. It is possible that a second consultation will be required where TfL will publish the final regulations.
Transport for London: Pedicab regulations consultation. Closes 7 March 2025.
Additional reporting by Linus Rees.
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