Labour council to issue 'immediate' £100 fines to pedicabs under tougher rules - 'Not the Wild West'

It follows the recent Public Spaces Protection Order, which grants enforcement powers to police officers, council inspectors and Transport for London officials to tackle problematic pedicab behaviour across the borough.

The order, which will be in place for three years, targets multiple infractions that have plagued central London's tourist areas.

Under the new rules, authorities can now penalise riders for blaring music, excessive horn use, cycling at dangerous speeds and blocking pavements with their vehicles.

The enforcement scheme arrives as Westminster addresses mounting complaints from residents about pedicab operations.

Council officials confirmed the measures follow requests from councillors and community stakeholders for interim action while awaiting comprehensive Transport for London licensing regulations expected in early 2026.

The regulations also prohibit threatening or intimidating conduct towards members of the public. Groups of four or more pedicabs congregating in one location will also be deemed an obstruction, whether stationary or moving along public highways.

Officers can order rickshaw operators to leave designated areas, with non-compliance resulting in immediate financial penalties.

The measures form part of Westminster's response to longstanding concerns about pedicab operations in tourist hotspots, particularly the West End.

The Public Spaces Protection Order, permitted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, aims to address activities deemed detrimental to residents' quality of life. The order can be modified and extended for an additional three years following its initial implementation period.

Public feedback strongly endorsed the enforcement measures, with 86 per cent of 202 consultation participants expressing agreement or strong agreement with the proposals.

Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of respondents anticipated the restrictions would deliver significant or moderate improvements to their daily lives.

However, 10 per cent of participants argued the measures were insufficient and advocated for the complete prohibition of pedicabs.

Two respondents criticised the timing as "irrational", suggesting that Westminster should wait for Transport for London's licensing framework rather than implementing temporary controls.

Pedicabs have created persistent problems for Westminster residents, with operators frequently disrupting traffic flow and obstructing pedestrian walkways. The vehicles, which are popular with tourists exploring central London, have faced criticism for charging excessive rates ranging from £20 to £70 per mile, according to council data.

Safety concerns have intensified due to pedicabs operating without proper regulation under outdated 1869 legislation that classifies them as "stage carriages".

This legal loophole has prevented authorities from implementing effective controls despite mounting complaints about dangerous driving and public nuisance.

Councillor Aicha Less shared: "This is Westminster, not the Wild West. These fines send a clear message: if you break the rules in our city, you will end up out of pocket and out of excuses.

"While we work with TfL to finalise a structured the licensing scheme is being finalised, our City Inspectors continue to prosecute pedicab drivers and partner with our neighbours in Lambeth and in the Metropolitan Police to ensure unsuspecting tourists are not ripped off."