Central London streets are set to be safer and calmer with new
laws to end the blight of unlicensed pedicabs in London passing
third reading in the House of Commons and completing their
parliamentary passage today.
The Pedicabs
(London) Bill gives Transport for London (TfL) powers to crack down on rogue
pedicab drivers by regulating fares and improving safety
standards – bringing the industry into line with other forms of
transport in the capital.
The bill, which is set to receive royal assent in the coming
weeks, aims to close a legal loophole that has meant the industry
in London is not regulated, exposing some customers – including
tourists – to eyewatering fares, dangerous driving and antisocial
behaviour on the city’s streets.
Through the new law, TfL will be able to decide
when, where and how many pedicabs can operate to ensure they do
not cause a hazard to pedestrians and other motorists. Drivers in
breach of this legislation could face having their license
revoked, their pedicab confiscated or a fine of up to £2,500.
Roads and Local Transport Minister, , said:
For too long, rogue pedicabs have taken advantage of the lack of
rules around fares and licensing, so we’re taking action to close
that loophole.
We know this issue has caused real concerns about the impact on
safety and traffic, from clogging up bus lanes to blaring loud
music, and this common-sense law will help to put businesses at
ease and end the chaos in hotspots like Soho and Covent Garden.
The Pedicabs (London) Bill will enable TfL to regulate London’s
pedicabs and protect passengers by:
- conferring powers on TfL to bring forward a
licensing regime for pedicabs in a similar way to local
authorities throughout the rest of England and Wales
- providing TfL with the ability to
introduce fare control to combat overcharging on pedicab services
and protect consumers from being ripped off
- allowing TfL to set standards for
operators, drivers and their vehicles to improve the safety of
pedicabs, as well as introducing insurance requirements and
ensuring vehicles are roadworthy
- ensuring that pedicab drivers undergo criminal record and
right to work checks before being allowed to carry passengers in
the same way that drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles must
do, allowing passengers to use pedicabs with confidence and
cutting crime
- giving TfL powers to take steps to
improve congestion and tackle issues, such as highways
obstruction. TfL will be able to restrict
the presence of pedicabs in certain areas, at certain times. This
will help improve road safety and traffic-related issues in
central London
- enabling enforcement action against those operating without a
licence or outside their licence conditions, including civil
sanctions and criminal offences. Since being introduced, it has
received widespread support in both Houses, as well as from
businesses across London
Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of Heart of London Business Alliance,
said:
We are delighted to see the Pedicabs Bill take its final steps
towards becoming law today. Without regulation, pedicabs have
been a menace to London. With regulation, they could prove to be
a safe and environmental means of travel. We look forward to
working with TfL,
who will enforce the regulations, to ensure that the scheme works
for the capital.
