Key Facts

• Pedicabs are currently the only unregulated form of public transport on London's roads.
• The Law Commission commenced its review of the legal framework relating to pedicabs in 2011 as part of the 11th programme of law reform.
• In 2014, the Law Commission recommended bringing pedicabs within taxi and private hire regulation.
• Some rogue operators have charged tourists over £500 for short journeys.
• The Government supported the Bill in 2019.
• Pedicabs exist in other locations but have been unregulated in London due to a legal loophole.
• There are several hundred pedicab operators in London rather than thousands.
• Between 2018 and 2023, there were 24 reported incidents involving pedicab operators, including six sexual offences and 13 injury-causing collisions.
• A tourist was charged over £450 for a seven-minute journey by an unlicensed operator.
• This is the third time since entering Parliament in 2019 that the MP has spoken on Second Reading to highlight the need for a licensing scheme for pedicabs in London.
• Four attempts have been made via private Members’ Bills to introduce a pedicabs licensing scheme, two of which were proposed by the current speaker and her predecessor.
• The Bill does not propose to ban pedicabs from London streets but aims to improve conditions for drivers and passengers.
• Cycling UK has supported the Bill.
• Police operations have found unfit drivers, including those wanted for serious crimes.
• Pedicabs are currently not regulated under Transport for London’s licensing powers.
• The Bill outlines requirements for road-worthiness, safety, insurance, equipment, appearance, and operator conduct.
• Operators must adhere to the highway code and refrain from playing loud music.
• Local residents associations and businesses have provided support for pedicab regulation.
• The BBC Democracy report highlighted instances of pedicabs being used illegally.
• A constituent reported a case where tourists were charged £300 for a 0.8-mile journey from Trafalgar Square to Great Smith Street.
• The Bill provides Transport for London with powers to set fares, ensure drivers are fit and legally able to work in the UK, and regulate conduct including noise levels.
• Operators who violate new licence terms can receive fixed penalty notices or have their vehicles seized by TfL.
• Pedicabs are unregulated public transport in London, unlike other forms of transportation.
• Clause 2(6) gives TfL powers to create safety standards for pedicab operations.
• Amendment to clause 2(6)(i) allows TfL to address noise complaints from residents.
• Clause 2(6)(h) enables provisions for better working conditions for drivers.
• The London Assembly Transport Committee’s scrutiny report on the future of London’s pedicabs was published in February 2005.
• Many people living in outer London are dependent on their cars or vans for normal business activities.
• The Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election highlighted concerns about Transport for London's abuse of powers regarding ULEZ charges.
• Pedicabs can operate in London under legislation dating from 1869 but face onerous regulations elsewhere in Great Britain.
• Cycling UK's briefing highlights the need for a national regulatory framework for pedicabs.
• Christopher Chope challenges Transport for London to produce draft regulations before the Bill’s Committee stage.
• The Government had initially planned secondary regulation for the pedicab industry.
• Transport for London (TfL) is now responsible for drafting regulations following recent changes in the other place.
• Roger Geffen’s briefing highlights concerns about the definition and regulation of pedicabs under the Bill.
• Chope believes TfL's discretion as to who should be consulted is ridiculous.
• Cycling UK suggests referencing Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 to define exempt vehicles.
• There are concerns about asymmetry and lack of power for TfL to provide pedicab stands.
• A temporary pedicab service carried more than 9,000 people over Hammersmith Bridge in six months.
• The bridge has been closed to motor traffic for five years, causing significant economic and social consequences for local communities.
• Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, has campaigned on the issue of pedicabs for many years.
• Speaker supports the Pedicabs (London) Bill [Lords].
• Regulation is needed for a level playing field.
• Unregulated pedicabs can cause crimes like mugging tourists.
• Pedicabs contribute to chaos and safety concerns on the streets of central London.
• Hon. Member Nickie Aiken worked on the issue for years.
• Hon. Member Paul Scully's private member’s Bill contributed to regulation.
• There were 24 driver incidents involving pedicabs between 2018 and August 2023, including six sexual offences.
• The bill aims to grant Transport for London powers to regulate unlicensed pedicabs.
• The debate is about concluding a discussion on the Pedicabs (London) Bill.
• TfL produced an outline licensing framework for pedicab services in January 2022, which would need updating due to recent noise regulations added by the House of Lords.
• Clause 7 sets out requirements for guidance from the Secretary of State regarding pedicab licensing and accommodating local interests.