Successful pedicab prosecutions time with new legislation to bring nuisance pedicabs under control

Over £4,000 of costs and fines issued as the new pedicab legislation progresses through parliament.

Westminster City Council has successfully secured fines, costs, and victim surcharges totalling £4,445 under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 against five pedicab riders. The successful court hearings coincide with the Pedicabs (London) Bill reaching the next stage of scrutiny in the House of Commons. The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent and become law before the summer where numbers of cases often increase due to the footfall in central London.

Under the new Bill, the regulations specify that all pedicabs must be licensed with Transport for London to operate. This will give TfL- in consultation with Westminster City Council - the ability to protect customers, especially women, to cap the number operating in the city and give them identifiable information, like taxi licenses. This should mean a safer experience for visitors on the road as well as making sure the appropriate checks are in place to safeguard against riders with criminal convictions.

Powers are also expected to regulate pedicab costs, helping to prevent customers being ripped off after the council found numerous cases pedicab drivers charging astronomical amounts. For example, attempting to charge over £20 a mile for a journey from Westminster Bridge to Chinatown.

These prosecutions were handed down following a hearing held on March 13^th at Westminster Magistrates Court, with fines ranging from £875 to £945.

Frances Martin, Executive Director for Environment, Climate and Public Protection at Westminster City Council said:

These fines reflect the continued hard work of our City Inspectors in partnership with the Met Police. Seeing the proposed legislation go through Parliament is a huge step in the right direction and will allow for rogue pedicab riders to be controlled.”

“Whilst the legislation is being finalised, we will continue to prosecute riders who cause a nuisance to people trying to enjoy the West End and Soho. All whilst educating the public on the dangers of choosing a pedicab over licensed forms of transport.”