Nickie Aiken, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, welcomed progress on our Pedicabs (London) Bill with its debate in the House of Lords.

Once passed, the Bill will put into law the pedicabs licensing scheme which Nickie has long campaigned for. The scheme will 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, and prevent another story of a tourist or visitor being charged hundreds of pounds for a journey that lasts just a few minutes.

Under the Bill, Transport for London will administer the licensing scheme similarly to how they administer licenses for black cabs and private hire vehicles. The licensing scheme will also require drivers and their vehicles to undertake proper checks to confirm they are fit and proper to take passengers.

During the debate in the House of Lords, many Members made the case for legislation, and Nickie is especially grateful to Baroness Stowell for her support in championing this much-needed legislation. Watch some of what Baroness Stowell had to say in the video above.

The Bill passed what is called its Second Reading and now moves on to the Lords' Committee Stage. Nickie will speak in the debate once it makes its way to the Commons.

Commenting on its progression, Nickie explained,

"I'm delighted to report that our Pedicabs (London) Bill made it through its Second Reading in the Lords. With cross-party support it now moves to the Lords' Committee Stage. Hopefully, the Bill will make it through to the Commons in the new year and I look forward to joining the debate and making the case for this critical legislation."