New driving laws could see some vehicles taken off roads with rules aiming to close 'legal loophole'

Pedicab drivers have been accused on multiple occasions of ripping off customers and charging extortionate fees for short journeys.

In one case, a couple were hit with a bill worth almost £200 for a three-minute journey, highlighting the need for a set of rules to be in place.

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The Bill looks to give Transport for London powers to crack down on rogue pedicab drivers by regulating fares and improving safety standards.

Having passed its third reading, it is set to receive royal assent in the coming weeks, much to the delight of Londoners.

The Government stated: “The Bill 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 now face having their license revoked, their pedicab confiscated or a fine of up to £2,500.

Guy Opperman, Transport Minister for Roads and Local, 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 Bill will enable TfL to regulate London’s pedicabs by bringing forward a licensing regime in a similar way to local authorities throughout the rest of England and Wales.

It will also provide TfL with the ability to introduce fare control to combat overcharging on pedicab services and protect consumers from being ripped off.

Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, who introduced the Bill said after 10 years, four Private Members’ Bills and a Government-backed Bill, London will now have a pedicab licensing regime coming very soon.

Aiken had previously argued that pedicabs' lack of insurance could leave passengers and other road users without protection if they are unlucky enough to be in an accident involving one.

She explained: "It's now down to TfL to do a statutory consultation after the mayoral elections and then there is no reason why a pedicab licensing scheme cannot be in place by early autumn. Thank you so much for all your support. I could not have done this without you."

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Last year, Westminster Council said it was aware of the sham and was actively trying to prevent further scams from taking place.

The council issued £2,718 in fines to six pedicab drivers under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 for heavily overcharging passengers.