King's Speech rules could see some vehicles taken off the road to protect other drivers

People have experienced anti-social, unsafe and nuisance behaviour from pedicab operators and drivers, with the police and local authorities being given the tools to keep people safe.

There are currently limited powers to tackle significant safety and traffic-related issues, with the Pedicabs (London) Bill looking to change that.

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Speaking earlier today, King Charles said: “A bill will be introduced to deal with the scourge of unlicensed pedicabs in London.”

The Bill will give Transport for London the powers to regulate the pedicab industry so passengers and road users are kept safe knowing they are properly licensed and accountable.

It is hoped the new laws will usher in measures for the industry to make it safer for passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

TfL will have the power to introduce a regime of licensing and control fares to combat overcharging from rogue operators.

All vehicles will also be required to have valid insurance and be roadworthy, while drivers will need to undergo criminal record and right to work checks.

There is no reliable data about the number of pedicabs operating in London, although recent estimates have suggested there are between 200 and 900 pedicabs carrying passengers.

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, praised the new rules but said he was frustrated that there was no information about electric bikes and scooters.

He added: “While we welcome the action on pedicabs, this is an issue which mainly affects tourists and leaves the wider problems caused by some e-bike and scooter riders unchallenged.

“There are up to 2,000 e-bikes in the borough at any given time and with no regulations around their hire, operation or parking, forcing disabled people, people with prams and other pedestrians problems walking in busy roads.”

While the Bill will extend to England and Wales, the measures will only apply in Greater London.

Some councils have already been taking action against pedicab drivers and operators using powers contained in the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

Many of these vehicles will have loud music playing from speakers while driving through the streets, with Westminster City Council launching an information campaign against unlicensed pedicabs.

There is currently no fare control for pedicabs, with the BBC reporting that a tourist with two children was charged £464 for a 1.3-mile journey that lasted just seven minutes.

According to Westminster City Council, since 2021, it has received around £30,000 in fines from pedicab drivers, ranging from £106 to £1,850.

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Prosecutions have been secured against 68 pedicab drivers in 2022 for anti-social behaviour, with 13 others taken to court and charged between January and August this year.