Plans for crackdown on ‘nuisance’ pedicabs in London set out
Plans for crackdown on ‘nuisance’ pedicabs in London set out
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New rules which pedicabs could be forced to obey to operate on London’s streets have been laid out. A crackdown on ‘nuisance’ pedicabs, also known as rickshaws, announced by the Tory government last year pledged to end ‘dangerous driving and antisocial behaviour’ and ‘eyewatering fares’ by drivers.
![[A couple of passengers ride in the rear seat of a pedicab that's taking them through Chinatown in the capital's West End, on 7th January 2025, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237588110-9d5e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Ministers passed a law to ‘close a legal loophole’ that meant the industry, which is concentrated in tourist hotspots like Covent Garden, was unregulated. The law gave Transport for London (TfL) powers to decide when, where and how many pedicabs can operate, and make sure they operate safely.
![[Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ray Tang/LNP/REX/Shutterstock (14271713c) Christmas shoppers ride in a cycle rickshaw pedicab along Regent Street on the last Saturday shopping day before Christmas Day. Christmas Shoppers in Regent Street, London, UK - 23 Dec 2023]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237588111-b222.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
On Monday TfL announced it is holding a public consultation inviting people to ‘have their say’ on the matter. The announcement detailed a number of proposals, including that:. TfL is also considering restrictions on noise levels, ‘particularly at certain times of day’.
Antisocial behaviour is covered by existing laws but Londoners have complained about drivers playing loud music and causing ‘disturbances’. TfL also want ‘consistency’ in the way fares are charged, which is currently up to individual drivers. Fares could be set across the board using a time-based, distance-based or zone-based system.
To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro's London news hub. Helen Chapman, TfL’s Director of Licensing & 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.’.
