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Transport for London has been on a mission to crackdown on London’s neon flashing, ABBA-blasting rickshaws for nearly two years. The Pedicab (London) Bill was passed in March 2024, finally giving TfL the power to start its clampdown on the unregulated vehicles.
Following the bill, TfL launched an initial public consultation and then gave us an insight into the new rules it had planned. Today (September 9), it has laid out its full proposals for regulating the vehicles and launched another six-week public consultation to get Londoners’ feedback.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: ‘Pedicabs should be a fun and green way to see the sights of our city, but without regulation some drivers are behaving unsafely and anti-socially. That’s why I’ll be pressing ahead with new measures to ensure pedicabs are safe and the industry can continue to thrive in the future.
‘I’ve always been clear that regulation and licensing for the pedicabs industry in London is needed so that we can significantly improve safety, drive-up standards and bring an end to tourists and Londoners being over-charged.’
Here’s a closer look at all the measures that TfL is taking against pedicabs. It hopes that the rules can come into force in early 2026.
Banning speakers
Noise from pedicabs was one of the biggest concerns raised in TfL’s first consultation. Of 2,400 people who commented on the issue, 96 percent supported stronger controls on their audio. So, TfL has proposed that pedicabs will no longer be allowed to use externally amplified audio to blast music.
Fares by the minute
Fares will be based on journey time with a per minute rate and minimum fare (which could change according to the time of day) to prevent drivers from charging extortionate amounts. The journey time would start one all passengers are safely seated and TfL suggests that there could be an extra charge for additional passengers.
Annual inspections
There will be annual licensing inspections of the pedicabs to check brakes, tyres, appropriate lighting and other mechanical parts as well as batteries for any pedicabs that are electrically assisted.
Number plates and other new rules
Drivers will all undergo driving assessments, enhanced criminal record check and medical checks, and will have to carry driver ID badges at all times. They’ll only be allowed to stop for pick up or drop off where it is safe to do so for the passengers, driver and other road users and where stopping is permitted. All the rickshaws will also need to be fixed with license plates.
You can submit your thoughts on all of the proposed new rules on the TfL website here. The consultation is open until October 20.
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