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Nuisance Pedicab PSPO

Pedicabs became established in London around 1998 when Bugbugs commenced operation; and numbers have grown year on year, increasing from an estimated 250 pedicabs in 2005, to over 1,000 during peak season.

While Pedicabs offer an additional choice for typically short journeys within Soho and the West End, with business largely concentrated between late evening and early morning, they are also the source of several persistent concerns and complaints:

• Holding up traffic
• Posing risks to public safety by blocking fire exits and pedestrian crossings
• Blocking pedestrian access by parking unlawfully on the pavement
• Creating noise nuisance by playing music loudly through built in sound systems
• Excessive charging of £20 - £70 per mile
• Lack of safety for both passengers and other road users
• Blocking or obstructing cycle stands/bays

Consequently, Transport for London (TfL) are consulting on the application of a new licensing regime made possible by The Pedicabs (London) Act 2024.

However, any scheme is not expected to take effect until 2026/27 and there is no guarantee that it will address all of the issues complained of.

The council is therefore consulting on an order to address the behaviours that cause the most concern.