MP urges TfL to ban ‘amplified sound’ in pedicab regulations

Pedicabs must be stopped from blaring loud music through the West End, the area’s MP has warned, as Transport for London (TfL) prepares to use new powers to regulate the rickshaws.

Following the passing of the Pedicabs (London) Act in June last year, which gave TfL legal powers over the bikes, the organisation is now consulting with Londoners on exactly what rules it should put in place.

In a message to TfL this week, Rachel Blake, Labour MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, has urged them specifically to ban pedicabs’ use of “amplified sound”.

She said: “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.”

TfL has included a section dedicated to noise in its consultation, which asks Londoners whether controls should be introduced “to prevent pedicabs playing music or other audio at certain levels or at certain times of day (or both)” or to prevent audio output “at all times”.

Among other questions, the consultation will also look at whether pedicab drivers can continue to set their own fares or must abide by a TfL-approved set of charges that could be based on the time of day, distance travelled and/or Tube-style “zones”.

In a statement when the consultation opened at the end of January, Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of licensing and regulation, said: “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.”

Transport for London: Pedicab regulations consultation. Closes 7 March 2025.

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