Pedicab drivers in London could soon be brought under formal regulation for the first time under new proposals from Transport for London (TfL). The draft rules, published this week after a consultation that drew overwhelming support, are designed to clamp down on unsafe vehicles and drivers accused of overcharging tourists. If approved, the measures would introduce strict licensing, capped fares and safety inspections from 2026 at the earliest.
Public Pressure for Change
Pedicabs, often found around the West End and tourist hotspots, have long attracted criticism for unregulated fares and disruptive behaviour. Londoners, businesses and visitors told TfL they wanted tougher oversight, with many citing cases of riders charging hundreds of pounds for short trips. The six-week consultation now open invites feedback from residents, operators and local firms on how the rules should be applied.
Key Proposals
The planned framework would require drivers to pass enhanced criminal record and medical checks, along with assessments of their competence. Vehicles would face annual inspections covering brakes, tyres and other essential parts. Fares would be standardised, based on journey time with a fixed per-minute rate and a minimum charge. Each pedicab would carry a licence plate, drivers would display ID badges, and playing loud music would be banned. TfL also wants tighter rules on where passengers can be picked up and dropped off.
Mayor and TfL Back the Plan
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said pedicabs should remain “a fun and green way to see the sights of our city” but argued that regulation was overdue. “Too many drivers have been behaving unsafely and anti-socially,” he said. Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of regulation, added that the proposals were designed to be “proportionate, enforceable and deliver real improvements” both for passengers and operators.
Industry Reaction
The London Pedicab Welfare Association, which represents drivers, has indicated it supports the principle of regulation provided the rules are fair. Many in the trade see licensing as a way to bring legitimacy to an industry that has operated in a grey area for years. If the plans are signed off after the current consultation, they would mark the first comprehensive regulation of pedicabs in the capital.
