Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

The Pedicab Regulation Bill - Clause 1

28 February 2024 · 16 other contributors

Opened by Guy Opperman Con Erith and Thamesmead

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Guy Opperman raised concerns about the pedicab regulation bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Pedicab Regulation Bill aims to regulate the pedicab industry in London to address excessive charges and safety concerns.
  • Previous Mayors of London, Transport for London, and the business community support the bill for a regulated and safe pedicab trade.
  • Tourists have faced excessive charges, including one incident where a tourist was charged 500 for a short journey.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Guy Opperman Con Erith and Thamesmead

This Bill aims to regulate the pedicab industry in London, addressing issues such as excessive charges, safety concerns, and rogue operators. It is supported by previous Mayors of London, Transport for London, and the business community who wish to see a regulated and safe pedicab trade. The law has been under review since 2011 with recommendations made in 2014 for regulation. Tourists have faced excessive charges, such as one charged £500 for an extremely short journey. There is also concern over the health risks posed by unlicensed drivers and unsafe vehicles. The Bill seeks to bring pedicabs within the scope of taxi and private hire regulation ensuring a fair market for licensed operators while preventing rogue actors from exploiting tourists.

Other contributors (16)
  • Nickie Aiken Con Cities of London and Westminster

    Emphasises cross-party support for pedicab regulation, citing a Labour Mayor and a Conservative Mayor's endorsements. Supports the view that the industry itself seeks proper regulation to rid it of bad actors.

  • Paul Scully Con Sutton and Cheam

    Supports changing a 19th-century legislative anomaly to regulate pedicabs, noting that this should have been done years ago. Argues for broad support among various stakeholders.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Questions the motives behind regulation, suggesting that it could be an attempt to ban pedicabs rather than regulate them. Cites historical evidence where the taxi drivers' association campaigned for a complete ban.

  • Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

    Supports regulation to ensure clear operators, licences, fees, suspension, and charging regulations. Argues that this will enhance accessibility and contribute positively to London's transport mix.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Requests assurance that future regulation will be light touch, not stifling young entrepreneurs. Concerned about potential over-regulation and its impact on a small but growing industry.

  • Simon Lightwood Lab Co-op Wakefield and Rothwell

    The bill will regulate pedicabs to ensure safety while allowing them to continue operating as part of London's unique character. It is long overdue after years of asking for these powers from the Government. The bill will make provision for regulation on noise nuisance and remove subsection (2) of clause 6, devolving power entirely to Transport for London.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Agrees with Simon Lightwood that there is a similar situation with other new forms of transport like e-scooters and e-motorbikes. There should be a discussion about safety issues and balancing the need for new forms of transport against pedestrian safety.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Intervened to raise a point from Cycling UK regarding the difficulty pedicabs face in operating outside London due to opposition from licensed taxi drivers. He emphasised that local authorities have been unable to support pedicab operators on a ply-for-hire basis because of insurance and other regulatory concerns.

  • Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

    Agreed with the need for regulation to ensure a fair and transparent fare model, criminal checks on drivers, and their right to work in the UK. She also highlighted instances of extortionate rip-off fares reported by the BBC Democracy report and the disruptive noise levels outside St Thomas’s Hospital in her constituency.

  • Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

    The hon. Member supports the Bill and its amendments, arguing that it is necessary to regulate pedicabs for safety, cleanliness, and fair pricing. She highlights issues such as unregulated drivers, poor roadworthiness, noisy music, and exploitation of drivers. Eshalomi also emphasises the need for robust criminal checks on drivers and fare transparency.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Mr. Chope is concerned that Transport for London (TfL) has been unwilling to produce draft regulations, raising suspicions about its intentions regarding pedicabs. He argues there should be safeguards in place to prevent pedicabs from being regulated out of existence and calls for more transparency on TfL's future actions.

  • Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park

    Welcomes the legislation to regulate pedicabs, advocating for its positive impacts such as employment opportunities and affordable transport. Emphasises the need for effective regulation through consultation with councils and user groups to ensure smooth implementation. Highlights the issue of Hammersmith bridge closure and proposes a temporary pedicab service as a solution to connectivity problems. Supports the creation of a new pedicab service across the bridge, urging Ministers to work with TfL to implement this. Mentions the positive reception from various stakeholders for the proposed service.

  • Kit Malthouse Con North West Hampshire

    Mr. Malthouse supports the bill for four primary reasons: ensuring a level playing field in competition, maintaining order on London's streets, curating a vibrant city centre environment, and addressing criminal activities associated with unregulated pedicabs. He notes that the current lack of regulation allows pedicabs to exploit loopholes, causing nuisances such as obstructed roads, dangerous driving, and potential criminal conduct. He also emphasises the bill’s role in protecting London's international reputation.

  • Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central

    Supports the Bill due to its importance in improving safety for passengers and road users, protecting the tourist economy, and regulating pedicabs. Highlights TfL evidence of collisions involving personal injury, overcharging cases, and noise nuisance as reasons for regulation.

  • Acknowledges the need for order in transport and addresses concerns about crime and city perception. Discusses the impact of unregulated noise on residents and businesses, welcoming efforts to allay concerns before Committee stage.

  • Kit Malthouse Con North West Hampshire

    [INTERVENTION]: Requests for circulation of TfL’s licensing framework to help understand the potential impact and scope of regulation.

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