Pedicabs (London) Bill: Strict New Laws to be Introduced to Protect the Public
A recent video doing the rounds on TikTok shows 3 women arguing with a rickshaw driver whilst on a night out in London. After riding around for around 10 minutes the driver tried to charge them £50 each (£150) for the pleasure, which he then kindly offered to cut down to £30 each (£90) after they complained.
This outrageous fair is apparently not uncommon. As Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, says: "These rip-off rickshaws do London a disservice, fleecing tourists and causing traffic chaos." You can see the video via the embedded player.
People have been calling for pedicabs to be licensed and regulated by Transport for London for years. A new bill called the ‘Pedicabs (London) Bill’ seeks to change much of the ambiguity surrounding pedicabs. This bill would bring pedicabs in line with regulations for taxi and private hire vehicles. A Private Members’ Bill was originally put forward back in 2018 but this was defeated in the Commons.
New Legislation
The main aim of the Pedicabs (London) Bill is to make sure that pedicab drivers and firms are regulated. At the moment, there is close to nothing in the legislation governing their usage. The long title of the bill is ‘A Bill to provide for the regulation of the carrying of passengers in Greater London by pedal cycles and power-assisted pedal cycles for hire or reward; and for connected purposes.’
The bill hopes to bring about regulations that will govern:
What fares can be charged.
When and how passengers are to be made aware of fares.
Eligibility requirements for drivers or operators
The quality, roadworthiness or cleanliness of pedicabs.
Safety and/or insurance requirements.
Equipment that may or must be carried on pedicabs.
The appearance or marking of pedicabs.
The testing of pedicabs.
Speed restrictions.
The working conditions of drivers.
Driver conduct.
The Bill is currently going through its second reading. The first sitting was carried out on the 19th of November 2021 and a second sitting is scheduled for the 21st of this month. In an article written for TaxiPoint, Nikki Aiken MP, the sponsor of the Bill, said:
“I’m pleased to see my Bill has the support of London Councils, TfL, the London Pedicab Operators Association, residents, and businesses of all sizes in my constituency. It has cross-party support, even from the Mayor of London.”
This is good news for supporters of the Bill. At the time of writing, the Bill appears to have met no resistance and seems set to become law, parliamentary time allowing.
The Danger of Unregulated Pedicabs
Many people unfamiliar with the pedicab issue are under the impression that they are already regulated to similar standards as taxis and private hire vehicles. However, the current lack of regulations poses a very real threat to the public. As Aiken explained in her article:
”In previous police operations, rogue drivers have been found to be in breach of behaviour orders, immigration laws, and in some cases they have held criminal records. This gives me deep concern for the safety of passengers, especially women. I am disgusted by reports of intimidation and allegations of sexual harassment. This kind of behaviour creates a deeply unpleasant street environment for women, who have the right to use this space in the same way as men - and they should feel safe in doing so.”
Some people are quick to blame Transport for London (TfL) for the lack of regulations. But, due to a legal loophole, TfL currently has no powers to enforce any kind of regulations for pedicabs. Under the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869, pedicabs come under the classification of a ‘stage carriage’. Under this legislation, in Greater London, pedicabs fall outside of TfL’s area of control. The new bill will close this loophole and allow TfL to take control of the issue.
Professional Pedicabs
It’s should be made clear that not all pedicab drivers or operators are problematic. There are pedicab operations out there with strict guidelines in place for their drivers, do voluntary criminality and insurance checks, as well as having a clear and measured fare structure. But unfortunately, the lack of regulations means that these professional organisations are often tarred with the same brush as the rogue driver feature in the video at the start of the article.
It’s likely to be some time before this Bill achieves Royal Assent and becomes law, but at the moment it looks promising. We’ll be sure to publish updates as they occur.
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