Poppy Jacobs for City News
London's pedicabs are currently unregulated

London’s black cab drivers have expressed frustration over TfL’s public consultation on pedicab licensing.

Pedicabs, also known as rickshaws, currently operate in London under the 1869 Metropolitan Public Carriage Act, which classifies them as ‘stage carriages’. This allows them to operate without a driver’s license or insurance.

TfL’s public consultation seeks input on whether rickshaws should face new passenger regulations. However, drivers of London’s iconic Hackney Carriages have said the move to ‘legitimise’ rickshaws threatens the business of the already struggling cab business.

“Pedicabs have been a particular thorn in the side for the profession for a number of years now,” said Andy Scott, Communications specialist for London Taxi PR.

“They often already infringe on the licensed London taxi ranks – which are specifically for London taxi use only – and are particularly obstructive with regards to either refusing to move or thinking that they’ve got a right to be where they are.”

London taxi drivers undergo rigorous training – including the famed Knowledge test – and must hold a full UK driving license. This grants them access to bus lanes and prime taxi ranks across the capital.

Of particular concern to drivers were the already overcrowded roads of central London. Scott described the risks of travelling by pedicabs merging into central London traffic, despite not requiring a UK driver’s license under current legislation.

“We are having serious trouble with traffic congestion with regards to bus lanes, which obviously taxis can access, but now lanes of traffic are being reduced because of the cycle lanes,” said Scott. “These people [in pedicabs] are just attached in the back to someone pedalling along – how safe are you?”

“The safest way to travel is by a London taxi, simple as that. There is no better way,” said Scott. “In my personal opinion– it would be far safer if [pedicabs] were off the roads entirely.”

TfL’s consultation has also faced opposition from pedicab drivers themselves. A pedicab driver, speaking anonymously, argued that rickshaws are ‘easy pickings’ for criticism since they don’t operate on a meter like black cabs.

“I’ve got to eat too. Sometimes I will wait hours, and I won’t even get one ride.”

“I agree with the customer on prices before we go anywhere, and I usually take them further than they’ve paid for because I want them to get the full experience,” they said.

The TfL consultation, which is open for public comment, will be available until 7th March 2025.

“Pedicabs are the only form of unregulated public transport in London and have an impact on the safety of the capital’s road network, as well as customers being charged well-documented rip-off fares,” said Helen Chapman, TfL’s Director of Licensing and Regulation. “We’re looking forward to working with the pedicab industry, to ensure it is run safely and fairly.”