Earlier today, our Pedicabs (London) Bill completed its passage through Parliament and is now on its way to Royal Assent.
Celebrating the news, Nickie Aiken, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, explained,
"It is done. The Pedicabs (London) Bill has made it through Parliament. We had the final stages of the Bill today and it had its Third Reading. I am delighted that after ten years, four Private Members’ Bills and now a government-backed Bill, we will have a pedicab licensing regime for London coming very soon.
"It's now down to TfL to do a statutory consultation after the mayoral elections and then there is no reason why a pedicab licensing scheme cannot be in place by early autumn. Thank you so much for all your support. I could not have done this without you."
Nickie has left no stone unturned in securing our licensing scheme. She brought forward her own Private Members' Bills, constantly highlighted the need for regulation with Ministers, and ensured our voice was heard in the very heart of Government. It was clear we needed Government time in Parliament, and working together, Nickie secured it with His Majesty The King announcing a pedicabs Bill in November.
From your stories, your experiences, and whilst out and about across our neighbourhoods, Nickie has seen how desperately we need the licensing scheme. Whether it's to end the blaring music which can go on until the very early hours of the morning, stop the pavements from being blocked by riders who park there, or prevent another story of a tourist or visitor being charged hundreds of pounds for a journey that lasts just a few minutes. Our licensing scheme will put an end to the horror stories.
Transport for London will administer the licensing scheme similarly to how they administer licenses for black cabs and private hire vehicles. Our licensing scheme will also require drivers and their vehicles to undertake proper checks to confirm they are fit and proper to take passengers.
Find out more about our pedicabs licensing scheme here.