Rishi Sunak to Crack Down on Nuisance Pedicab Drivers in London

New rules and licensing requirements on the cards to address complaints of overcharging and safety concerns

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is set to take action against "pedicab" riders in London who have been accused of ripping off unsuspecting passengers. Legislation for licensing these rickshaws is expected to be announced in November, as part of the Prime Minister's upcoming agenda.

Safety and Pricing at the Forefront

Under the new rules, pedicab riders may be required to obtain a licence and abide by regulations pertaining to pricing and safety. This move comes in the wake of numerous reports of excessive charges, such as a man being billed £500 for a ten-minute journey, and a woman being fleeced of £450 for a seven-minute ride.

Concerns over Public Safety

Pedicabs have also been the subject of safety concerns. Just last year, a fire broke out in a railway arch under London Bridge railway station, allegedly ignited by a pedicab. The incident resulted in train disruptions and building evacuations. Additionally, complaints have been lodged about these vehicles blocking pavements and blasting loud music, causing annoyance to locals.

A Long-standing Issue

Campaigning for better regulation and licensing of pedicabs, Nickie Aiken, Tory MP for Cities of London and Westminster, has been actively advocating for change for several years. Aiken emphasizes the urgent need for pedicab licensing in London, referring to the current situation as resembling the "Wild West." Aiken's previous attempts to rectify the issue through private member's bills have been unsuccessful, leading her to rely on government support. With discussions already underway with No. 10, Aiken is hopeful that the upcoming King's Speech will provide an opportunity to address this pressing issue.