London has moved one step closer to regulating pedicabs across popular tourist spots in the capital as the Bill passes on to the next stage.
The Bill was introduced by Cities of London and Westminster MP, Nickie Aiken who has been calling for licencing rules to be in place after numerous complaints from residents.
People complained to the MP about the pedicabs playing loud music that can be heard several streets away, sometimes until late at night from the pedicabs as well as the high prices they charge for short journeys which are often not displayed.
Residents also complained that pedicabs lack insurance, which leaves passengers and other road users vulnerable and unprotected if they get involved in an accident.
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The council issued £2,718 in fines to six pedicab drivers for heavily overcharging passengers
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The campaign was argued in Parliament and successfully passed its second reading in the Commons. It will now move onto its committee stage before proceeding through its full Parliamentary journey.
Pedicabs have been known to overcharge customers with some drastic cases seeing drivers demand £180 for a three-minute journey.
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.
These penalties were issued following a hearing held at Westminster Magistrates Court, with fines for pedicab drivers ranging from £26 to £751.
The fines followed an update in the King's Speech which detailed further scrutiny for pedicab drivers who try and charge too much for journeys.
The Bill, when passed, will give Transport for London the powers to regulate the pedicab industry so passengers and road users are protected, knowing they are properly licensed and accountable.
During the debate this week, the Bill received cross-party support, with many MPs from across the House speaking out in agreement.
Commenting after the debate, Aiken explained: "It passed. I'm so delighted. It now goes on to the committee of the whole house where we will scrutinise it line by line.
“It had cross-party support today, I want to thank Florence Eshalomi, the MP for Vauxhall, and Kit Malthouse, former Westminster councillor and Deputy Mayor for Policing, who is now an MP in Hampshire.
“Sarah Olney spoke for the Lib Dems as well as Paul Scully, MP for Sutton, who had tried to get pedicab regulation through a Private Member's Bill before I tried.
“Thank you for all the help. The Government has been extremely supportive, as have the Opposition. We are a step closer to the pedicabs Bill and pedicabs regulation becoming law."
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Nickie Aiken praised other MPs for backing her plans
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Once the Bill passes its second reading it will go to the third reading and then to the committee stage where it will be examined line by line to decide if it becomes a law.
