Transport for London has introduced new regulations for pedicabs that will be enforced in stages over the coming year. The regulations will mean that drivers and operators will need to apply for licences for both themselves and their vehicles, while further regulations being made later this month will set maximum fares for pedicab journeys that come into force from October.
While pedicabs can provide a unique and green way to see the capital, they have an impact on the safety of the road network and have been unregulated in London until now. The Pedicabs (London) Act 2024 does not ban pedicabs but gives TfL the power to regulate them, to professionalise and improve the industry. Regulating pedicabs will make them safer – ensuring that they are driven, maintained and operated in a professional manner.
Since the Act came into force, TfL has been working at pace alongside Londoners, business groups and industry representatives to create a robust set of regulations that are tailored to the unique nature of pedicabs and the market they operate in.
Following two consultations, TfL will today introduce regulations that specify a number of important minimum standards that pedicab drivers, vehicles and operators must meet to ensure safety, including:
- For drivers – an enhanced DBS check, a full driving licence or valid theory test certificate, meeting English language requirements, passing an assessment of their safety, equality and regulatory understanding and meeting minimum medical standards
- For vehicles – standards include being road legal, displaying a valid pedicab licence identifier and having regular safety checks, as well as a ban on external audio from the pedicab
- For operators – a requirement for a London premises with fire risk assessments, record keeping and a basic DBS check for staff
TfL will also be enforcing maximum journey fares for the first time to ensure that customers are not being charged well-documented rip-off fares. Subject to approval by TfL’s Finance Committee at its next meeting on 25 February, the planned maximum fares would be the total of: a base fare of up to £5; a per minute charge of up to £1. Where there is more than one passenger, there is an additional charge of up to £3 for every additional passenger that can be added to the total fare. Fares have been set to ensure that pedicabs can still offer an income that exceeds the London Living Wage and will be kept under review as the industry evolves.
Subject to approval, the pedicab driver licensing fee is proposed to be £114 and the pedicab vehicle licensing fee £100, both for a one-year licence. Drivers will be able to apply for licences from 9 March 2026. There will be a transition period to allow pedicab drivers and operators to obtain licences for both themselves and their vehicles. Licences will be mandatory for drivers and operators from 30 October 2026 and for vehicles from February 2027. Regulated maximum fares would come into force from 30 October 2026 alongside driver and operator licences.
MP for Cities of London and Westminster, Rachel Blake, said:
“For far too long, residents in the centre of London have had to put up with the noise and disruption that pedicabs bring.
“Residents across the Cities of London and Westminster will welcome the regulations coming in today as a first step to clamping down on rogue pedicab operators, with most importantly a ban on amplified noise. Local communities and businesses should be respected, and today’s new rules show significant progress being made.”
(Picture: TfL)
