Road conditions across London could improve dramatically in the near future as new regulations are introduced for pedicabs, which have turned streets into the “wild west”.
Under new rules introduced by Transport for London, rickshaw and pedicab drivers will be banned from charging expensive fares and blaring loud music.
Riders must now pay for a licence, meet English language requirements, pass a safety test and hold at least a theory test certificate.
Drivers and pedestrians have complained about pedicabs turning roads into dangerous areas with additional congestion and some riders swerving across traffic.
In some instances, tourists have been charged hundreds of pounds for a journey that took them a few hundred metres, prompting action from TfL.
Transport for London has proposed a cap on all rickshaw and pedicab fares, with a maximum base fare of £5.
It will then cost £1 per minute for the first passenger, while rising to £3 for every additional passenger.
Proposals would also see riders charged £100 for a vehicle licence and £114 for a personal licence, with operators needing to renew these annually.
Sadiq Khan has launched rules to crack down on pedicab riders in the capital
|
GETTY/PA
The new licensing regime and maximum journey fares are expected to be introduced by Transport for London and put in place from October 30 this year.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “After years of campaigning, I’m pleased that TfL will be regulating pedicabs across the capital to ensure they meet proper operational standards.
“Pedicabs should be a fun way to explore London – but too often people face rip-off fares, blaring music and unsafe behaviour.
“We’re bringing in these new rules so that both customers and drivers can benefit from an industry that is more safe, reliable and professional.”
Pedicabs will be regulated by Transport for London under new laws | GETTYMr Khan, who has been Mayor of London since 2016, acknowledged that pedicabs and rickshaws play an “important role” in the nighttime economy.
He said the rules would allow more people to enjoy the capital as the Mayor and TfL aim to build a “safer, fairer, greener London for everyone”.
TfL will also ban external audio from pedicabs, which is one of the most common complaints about the transporters, especially in busy areas like Soho and around Covent Garden.
It proposed to “prohibit the use of externally amplified audio” as pedicabs frequently blast loud music while taking passengers around the capital.
Pedicab riders will be required to buy licences to continue operating
|
GETTYUnder the new TfL regulations, pedicabs will be required to be road legal, regularly checked for safety, and even carry a number plate.
Operators of pedicabs will need to have premises in London, carry out fire risk assessments and basic staff DBS checks.
TfL believes these measures will help to reduce antisocial behaviour across the capital and protect tourists from being ripped off by rogue operators.
