The central London authority remains adamant that the Transport Bill is necessary to keep people safe, and to regulate the impact of pedicabs, dockless bikes and other areas that Government has long promised – but failed – to address. For example, the council argues the Bill should include powers to ensure all pedicabs must be licensed with Transport for London. This will give Westminster City Council the ability to protect customers, to cap the number operating in the city and give them identifiable information, like taxi licenses.

The council also want TFL to have the power to be able to regulate pedicab costs, to stop them from ripping off customers.

Without proper legislation, Westminster City Council is limited to only prosecuting noise and nuisance charges. The most recent prosecutions were heard at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court on 27^th September. Three riders were prosecuted under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. With fines ranging from £765 to £1175.

These were the latest in a number of cases pending or waiting to be listed at court bringing the total amount in fines handed down to almost £35,000.

However, whilst the council continues to do its best to curb pedicabs, no current changing in the law means city inspectors have no way to protect people from being charged extortionate fares or stop unlicensed and unsafe pedicabs picking unsuspecting tourists up.

Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Public Protection and Licensing said:

It’s clear that the government have been freewheeling when it comes to providing proper legislation on pedicabs.

Anyone who goes out in the West End can see how real the issue is, our city inspectors are trying to combat pedicabs with one hand tied behind their backs.

We’ll continue to enforce what powers we have to take these rip-off rickshaws off the streets, but we need a Transport Bill in November with clearly defined legislation that gives more power to us and TfL.”