TfL still does not have a date for its crackdown on rogue pedicabs, despite being given new powers in March. TfL says it needs to launch a consultation but that could be at least six months away. The leader of Licenced Taxi Drivers Association has labelled the delay a disgrace.

The colourful, often loud vehicles are a familiar sight around Central London tourist hotspots and have built up a perception that pedicab riders regularly rip off tourists. Actor Henry Winkler recently tweeted, “Travel tip do not take one of these bicycle taxes without absolutely negotiating the price first, this person in London rode us around in circles, then finally to our destination seven blocks away for 170 US dollars. My fault I paid but passenger beware.”

Before losing her seat at last month’s General Election, former Conservative MP Nicki Aiken pushed for a new law, which would mean that pedicabs have to be licensed, with their fares controlled by TfL and the pedicabs undergoing regular safety checks. Ms Aiken said: “We know that tourists are getting ripped off by huge amounts of money, so we need to have a licensing scheme in place. I do not believe the excuses that TfL are using. I think the mayor is sitting on his hands.”

The new law was given Royal Assent by the King four months ago, but it seems there’s no chance of it being enforced anytime soon, with ITV News being informed that a consultation is unlikely to begin until 2025.

TfL’s Mark Davis said: “ We need to make sure we take the time to consult with the industry so that the regulations we want to go out to consultation with early in the new year are fair for everyone. We aren’t dragging our feet. We want to make sure that the regulations we have a fit for purpose, and that will take time.”

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licences Taxi Drivers Association,  added: “The legislation has been put into place and now we all sit on our hands and wait for TfL whilst this mayhem continues on our streets. It’s an absolute disgrace.”