The 2023 King’s Speech included a commitment to introduce a bill to regulate unlicensed pedicabs in London. The Pedicabs (London) Bill [HL] was introduced into the House of Lords on 8 November 2023 and is due to receive its second reading on 22 November 2023.
Pedicabs, also known as cycle rickshaws, are not currently regulated in London due to a loophole in the legislation used to regulate taxis in the capital, the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869. Outside London, where different legislation applies, pedicabs can be regulated as taxis in England and Wales. Concerns have been expressed for a number of years about potential issues with London pedicabs. As outlined in the explanatory notes to the bill:
The pedicab industry remains the only form of public transport in London that is unregulated […] companies operating pedicabs are not licensed; neither drivers nor their vehicles are licensed; there is no requirement for pedicab drivers to undergo criminal record or right to work checks; and there is no fare control. There are concerns that overcharging is common, particularly when pedicabs are hired by tourists, and that the current regime does not ensure the safety of either passengers or other road users.
The Pedicabs (London) Bill would provide Transport for London (TfL) with powers to regulate pedicabs, for example by introducing a licensing regime and standards for operators, drivers and their vehicles.
The government has previously said it would legislate in this area. There have also been several private member’s bills on the subject.
