Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled a proposed set of regulations for pedicab operators in London, following a public consultation that revealed strong support for the need to regulate this sector.
According to TfL, the intended regulations aim to safeguard customers against “excessive charges” and to eliminate “dangerous and unsafe vehicles” from the roads.
The London Pedicab Welfare Association (LPWA) has expressed its approval for the regulations, provided they are equitable.
The latest proposed rules, now entering a second consultation phase, include implementing criminal background checks for drivers and establishing fare structures based on travel time.
Londoners, businesses, and pedicab operators are invited to participate in this six-week consultation period to share their feedback on the proposed regulations.
If these measures gain approval, they will necessitate:
TfL indicated that these new regulations represent “a significant advancement” in the effort to oversee pedicabs, which could potentially be implemented as early as 2026.
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, noted that pedicabs should be “an enjoyable and environmentally friendly way to explore our city,” yet acknowledged that some drivers act “unsafely and in a way that is not socially responsible.”
Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of regulation, emphasized her commitment to crafting legislation that is “reasonable, enforceable, and yields genuine improvements.”