It is estimated that up to 900 pedicabs are used in peak season.
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At the second reading of the Pedicab Bill, MPs reported issues with overcharged tourists, dangerous journeys and drivers wanted for criminal charges.
The Pedicab Bill aims to regulate the vehicles. This will allow the control of fare prices, safety and roadworthiness checks and the licensing of operators.
It is estimated that up to 900 pedicabs are used in peak season. But MPs expressed operational concerns.
Currently, Transport for London are unable to regulate pedicabs and police have few powers to control them effectively.
Conservative MP Nickie Aiken is calling for the bikes to be “regulated as black cabs are.” She said their large presence has made her constituency the “Wild West End.”
She shared that police operations working in conjunction with Westminster City Council found some of the drivers were “unfit”, working illegally or wanted for criminal charges.
But concerns were also raised for asylum seekers and illegal immigrants who “are also being exploited.”
Pedicabs have been overcharging tourists
Transport minister Guy Opperman shared reports that some drivers are “abusing tourists” with high fare rates.
A 10-minute journey from Mayfair to Soho had cost one person over £500.
Simon Lightwood, Shadow Transport Minister, said the bill was “long overdue”.
Conservative Minister, Christopher Chope, criticised the government for using “prime-time” to discuss pedicabs.
Instead, he suggested the government should be doing more on the issue of e-scooters and bikes.
The bill will now move to the committee stage at a later date.
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HeadlineUnregulated pedicabs making London like the ‘Wild West’, MPs told
Short HeadlineUnregulated pedicabs making London like the 'Wild West'
StandfirstPedicabs lack basic safety features and cause traffic problems, House of Commons hears.
At the second reading of the Pedicab Bill, MPs reported issues with overcharged tourists, dangerous journeys and drivers wanted for criminal charges.
The Pedicab Bill aims to regulate the vehicles. This will allow the control of fare prices, safety and roadworthiness checks and the licensing of operators.
It is estimated that up to 900 pedicabs are used in peak season. But MPs expressed operational concerns.
Currently, Transport for London are unable to regulate pedicabs and police have few powers to control them effectively.
Conservative MP Nickie Aiken is calling for the bikes to be “regulated as black cabs are.” She said their large presence has made her constituency the “Wild West End.”
She shared that police operations working in conjunction with Westminster City Council found some of the drivers were “unfit”, working illegally or wanted for criminal charges.
But concerns were also raised for asylum seekers and illegal immigrants who “are also being exploited.”
Pedicabs have been overcharging tourists
Transport minister Guy Opperman shared reports that some drivers are “abusing tourists” with high fare rates.
A 10-minute journey from Mayfair to Soho had cost one person over £500.
Simon Lightwood, Shadow Transport Minister, said the bill was “long overdue”.
Conservative Minister, Christopher Chope, criticised the government for using “prime-time” to discuss pedicabs.
Instead, he suggested the government should be doing more on the issue of e-scooters and bikes.
The bill will now move to the committee stage at a later date.
