What parts of the proposed TfL Pedicab Regulations will London taxi drivers be most against?
Transport for London’s (TfL) proposals to regulate pedicabs in the capital may address many public concerns, but they are unlikely to win support from London’s licensed taxi drivers. Despite introducing much-needed oversight to a currently unregulated service, the taxi trade is expected to oppose many of the proposed measures.
One key point of contention is the right to ply for hire. Licensed taxi drivers earn this privilege through the rigorous Knowledge of London test, a process that can take years to complete. Pedicabs, by comparison, would face significantly lighter licensing requirements under TfL’s proposals, which may be seen as diluting the value of the Knowledge and the effort required to operate as a licensed cabbie.
Questions around motorisation also raise concerns. Some pedicabs on London’s streets now use electric motors to assist propulsion. Taxi drivers are likely to argue that a motorised pedicab is no longer pedal-powered but closer to a taxi or private hire vehicle. This could call into question whether pedicabs should even be classified separately, with some drivers pushing for the same strict standards they are held to, including full driver and vehicle licensing.
Visibility of availability is another sticking point. Licensed taxis are easily identifiable and regulated to ensure safety for passengers. Taxi drivers may argue that it is unclear how pedicabs under the new regulations will demonstrate availability to the public. It is illegal to tout for work when plying-for-hire or taking pre-booked work via an operator.
The question of pedicab ranks could also become contentious. Ranks are a cornerstone of the taxi industry, providing clearly designated spaces for drivers to wait for passengers. Offering ranks to pedicabs could be seen as encroaching on valuable space traditionally reserved for taxis, adding further competition in high-demand areas where cabbies already face challenges from private hire vehicles and app-based services.
The broader question of fairness looms large. Licensed taxi drivers operate under some of the most stringent regulations in the world, covering vehicle specifications, safety, and fare structures. Pedicab regulation, while a step forward, is unlikely to match this level of oversight. Taxi drivers may view this disparity as creating an uneven playing field that disadvantages their trade while allowing pedicabs to operate with fewer restrictions.
TfL’s consultation on pedicab regulation is open until 7 March 2025, but the proposals may face strong resistance from the taxi trade. With concerns over fairness, competition, and the potential erosion of long-held standards, licensed cabbies are likely to contest any move that formalises the role of pedicabs into a new taxi service.
