Westminster council targets pedicab nuisance ahead of TfL licensing overhaul

Westminster City Council is launching a Christmas crackdown on pedicabs in London’s West End, introducing fines for loud music, speeding, and obstruction — weeks ahead of a proposed licensing scheme by Transport for London (TfL).

Widely reported in the national press, from 18 November, a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will empower police, council officers, and TfL enforcement teams to take action against rickshaw drivers who cause disruption. Offences such as blocking pavements, playing amplified music, and intimidating behaviour could result in fines of £100. Groups of four or more pedicabs, whether stationary or moving, will be treated as obstructing the public highway.

The move comes amid growing frustration over unregulated pedicab activity in central London, particularly around tourist hotspots near theatres and concert venues. Westminster Council says the interim measures are necessary to address immediate safety and nuisance concerns, while TfL finalises its regulatory framework for the sector.

“Pedicabs should be a fun and green way to see the sights of our city, but without regulation some drivers are behaving unsafely and antisocially,” said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. “That’s why I’ll be pressing ahead with new measures to ensure pedicabs are safe and the industry can continue to thrive.”

TfL’s proposed licensing scheme — enabled by the Pedicabs (London) Act passed last year — would require vehicles to display licence plates and drivers to carry ID badges. Operators would undergo enhanced criminal record checks, driving and language assessments, and annual vehicle inspections. Fares would be regulated on a per-minute basis.

Westminster Council’s deputy leader, Aicha Less, said the borough had long campaigned for tighter controls. “These proposals bring much-needed oversight to the sector and ensure safer, licensed transport for our residents and visitors,” she said. “We’ve prosecuted over 200 pedicab riders for breaching noise nuisance laws and will continue to do so.”

Public consultation on the PSPO revealed strong support, with 86 per cent of 202 respondents backing the plan. However, 10 per cent said the measures did not go far enough, calling for a complete ban. Others questioned the timing, arguing enforcement should wait until TfL’s licensing scheme is in place.

Between 2018 and 2023, 24 pedicab-related incidents were reported in London, including six sexual offences and 13 injury-causing collisions. Some operators have also been accused of overcharging tourists, with one Belgian visitor reportedly billed £450 for a seven-minute ride.