Proper regulation of Pedicabs across Greater London has moved one step closer. Nickie Aiken, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, presented a Private Member’s Bill today setting out the legislative framework through which pedicabs would be subject to a similar level regulation as taxis and other private hire vehicles.
Currently, pedicabs are exempt from the regulations that cover taxi and private hire services. Pedicabs for example do not need a licence to operate and are allowed to set their own prices. Pedicabs are also not subject to any official checks on the safety and ability of their drivers nor the road worthiness of vehicles, unlike black cabs and private hire taxis.
Bringing the regulation of pedicabs in line with taxis and private hire vehicles should help resolve complaints that local people have made about pedicabs for several years.
These have included pedicabs playing loud music late at night and obstructing pavements.
The Bill, which was backed by a group of cross-party MPs and is supported by Westminster City Council, The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth Council as well as the Mayor of London, met no objection in the Commons it will now progress to a Second Reading.
