TfL to press ahead with pedicab regulation in London

Following the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024, TfL launched a six-week consultation (27 Jan–7 Mar 2025) to gather views on proposed regulations for pedicabs—currently the only unregulated passenger transport in London.

The aim was to align pedicab standards with those of taxis and private hire vehicles while addressing safety, fare transparency, and anti-social behaviour.

TfL has now published its consultation report for the first consultation and next steps for producing regulations for the Pedicab industry in London.  It said the organisation are using the feedback received to “prepare detailed policies which would form the regulations.”

Key Consultation Findings

Public Sentiment

• 7,699 responses received (including 63 from stakeholders)

• 75% of respondents said they feel unsafe using pedicabs

• 85% said fares are too expensive

• 96% supported controls on music/audio volume

• 42% believed regulated pedicabs could be environmentally friendly; 42% disagreed

Licensing & Safety

• 92% supported a minimum driver age of 18

• 95% supported UK criminal background checks; 90% for overseas checks

• 97% supported mandatory insurance and safety training

• 70% agreed licences should be valid for at least one year

• 90% supported English language proficiency requirements

Operations & Access

• Only 8% supported on-street pickups; 28% preferred pre-booking; 42% supported both

• 65% supported designated waiting areas

• 84% opposed pedicabs using major roads and tunnels

• 63% opposed use of bus and cycle lanes

Fares

• 85% supported regulated fare structures (time, distance, or zones)

• 75% opposed allowing drivers to set fares independently

Noise & Music

• 96% supported volume limits on music/audio

• 78% wanted these limits enforced at all times

• Over 2,400 comments focused on noise—more than any other issue

Safety Checks

• 62% supported six-monthly checks for pedicabs

• 49% supported three-monthly checks for battery-powered pedicabs

Free Text & Stakeholder Feedback

Recurring concerns included:

• Excessive noise and anti-social behaviour

• Fare exploitation and lack of transparency

• Road safety risks and congestion

• Calls for outright bans or stricter enforcement

A petition led by MP Rachel Blake gathered 277 signatures demanding a complete ban on amplified noise.

TfL’s Next Steps

TfL will:

• Use consultation feedback to develop detailed policy proposals

• Launch a second consultation later in 2025, including an Integrated Impact Assessment

• Finalise regulations with a view to implementation in early 2026

TfL said the consultation responses are now being used to develop detailed policy proposals, which will be subject to a further consultation later this year. 

It added:

“This further consultation is necessary to ensure that the pedicab industry and Londoners are able to have their say on TfL’s specific proposals for regulations, including details on safety regulations and a potential fare structure, this is with a view to regulations coming into force in early 2026.”

Helen Chapman, TfL’s Director of Licensing & Regulation, said: 

“Pedicabs can provide a unique and green way to see the capital. However, pedicabs have an impact on the safety of the road network and are currently unregulated. Following this first consultation on pedicabs, we are using the responses and comments provided to ensure that the changes work for everyone.

“We look forward to working with the pedicab industry to ensure it is run fairly and safely and continues to be a sustainable mode of transport in the capital.”