TfL: Pedicab licences and insurance among regulation proposals
The introduction of licences and insurance for pedicab drivers is being considered by Transport for London (TfL).The capital's transport body said the rickshaw-style bikes remained the city's only form of unregulated public transport, sometimes leading to "rip-off" prices in the popular tourist areas where they operate.Under the Pedicabs (London) Act introduced by government last year, TfL now has the power to enforce rules and standards. A consultation is seeking the public's views on proposals including background checks for drivers, one-year licences and "appropriate insurance".
The regulations and licensing requirements for pedicabs would be similar to those that apply to taxis and private-hire vehicles, but "tailored to the unique nature of the pedicab and the market they operate in", a TfL spokesperson said.Among the main issues identified about pedicabs is the lack of consistency in the way fares are charged.The spokesperson said proposals to address this could include setting using a time-based, distance-based or zonal structure.
They added: "TfL is also considering whether regulations and licensing requirements should address driver conduct such as playing loud music and causing disturbances. "This would include potential restrictions on noise levels, particularly at certain times of the day."Helen Chapman, TfL's director of licensing and regulation, said: "Pedicabs are the only form of unregulated public transport in London and have an impact on the safety of the capital's road network, as well as customers being charged well-documented rip-off fares, so we're pleased to be able to launch this consultation."London's walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman also welcomed the proposals, saying that some drivers are behaving "unsafely or antisocially, and charging extortionate prices".
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The path to cheap power will be very expensive
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Enjoying this column? Check out Reuters Open Interest (ROI), opens new tab, your essential new source for global financial commentary. ROI delivers thought-provoking, data-driven analysis. Markets are moving faster than ever. ROI, opens new tab can help you keep up. Follow ROI on LinkedIn, opens new tab and X., opens new tab
Times
an hour ago
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Business live: US-China trade talks in London buoy markets
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The Guardian
an hour ago
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Both sides are sending senior representatives – the US delegation is being led by Treasury secretary Scott Bessent, commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer. Vice premier He Lifeng leads China's team. Investors, and leaders, around the globe will hope that the two superpowers can cool their dispute; they're currently partway through a 90-day truce which reduced the new tariffs between the pair to 10%. Yesterday, a UK government spokesman said: 'The next round of trade talks between the U.S. and China will be held in the UK on Monday. 'We are a nation that champions free trade and have always been clear that a trade war is in nobody's interests, so we welcome these talks.' The meeting follows a phone call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping last week, in which Xi reportedly told Trump to 'withdraw the negative measures' which the US has taken against China'. 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All day: US-China trade talks in London
