MPs push ahead with crackdown to license pedicabs in London to stop tourists being ripped off

The legislation has cleared the Lords and MPs will debate it within weeks
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MPs are to push ahead with a bill to license pedicabs in London as the new curbs moved a step closer.

The Pedicabs (London) Bill has cleared the Lords and Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt told Parliament that MPs would begin scutinising it on February 28.

“I’m delighted that our #pedicabs licensing scheme has taken its next step to become law,” said Nickie Aiken, Tory MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, who has led the campaign for the legislation.

“This week, it completed all stages in the House of Lords.

“Our scheme will now make its way to the Commons over the coming weeks, and I look forward to speaking out in the debate.”

Speaking as draft legislation cleared the House of Lords on Tuesday, transport minister Lord Davies of Gower said it would make the capital’s roads safer and tackle the anti-social nuisance caused by the controversial rickshaws.

The bill will allow for the regulation of the vehicles for the first time, and stop their drivers ripping off tourists with sky-high fares.

It is estimated there can be up to 900 pedicabs operating during peak season.

However, there have been concerns many lack basic safety features and can cause traffic problems, such as parking in bus lanes or flouting one-way rules.

Currently, Transport for London is unable to regulate pedicabs and the police have few powers to control them effectively.

This means that the companies operating pedicabs are not licensed, and neither are drivers or their vehicles.

There is no requirement for drivers to undergo criminal record or right to work checks and there is no fare control.

There are also worries overcharging is common, particularly when pedicabs are hired by tourists, and the current regime does not ensure the safety of either passengers or other road users.

Lord Davies said: “This Bill will make London’s roads safer and address the anti-social nuisance caused by rogue pedicabs.”

Although noting the Bill was limited in scope, Labour frontbencher Lord Liddle said: “It is nonetheless tackling something which has been a considerable nuisance and ensuring that it’s properly regulated and ensuring the pedicab sector doesn’t damage London’s reputation as an attractive tourist centre, which I think is very important.”

Liberal Democrat Baroness Randerson said: “It has been wanted for decades now with an increasing problem.

“Perhaps we can look forward to them (pedicabs) becoming an asset to London’s tourism.”

The Bill received a Third Reading in the Lords.

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