The article below first appeared in Westminster Extra. Nickie writes a monthly column for the paper.
Some of you may be aware, I was originally scheduled to table my first Bill, which outlines plans to bring the regulation of Pedicabs in line with other private hire vehicles across Greater London, back in April. Parliamentary authorities however suspended the presentation of Private Members’ Bills to free up time to pass the legislation needed to combat Coronavirus. I must admit, at the time being disappointed and frustrated at not being able to move things forward and present the Bill but completely understood that Parliament had other more important issues to address.
With the necessary legislation now in place to combat Coronavirus, authorities began accepting Private Members’ Bills from Tuesday when Parliament returned from recess. Given how close I had been to submitting the Bill before Parliament suspended their presentation I was at the front of the queue, something all MPs’ have been getting a bit more accustomed to this week, on Tuesday and presented it. My colleague Paul Scully, MP for Sutton and Cheam and Minister for London, originally presented the Bill back in 2018. That Bill never made it onto the statute books as Parliamentary time ran out.
As Leader of Westminster City Council, I supported the Bill in 2018. I was aware Councillors in Marylebone and the West End in particular regularly receive complaints from locals about Pedicabs. The nature of these complaints ranged from blocking pavements to drivers playing loud music late at night. Whilst Leader, I tried to address these concerns but was unable to do so due to the lack of regulation covering pedicabs. I know that Rachael Robathan, the current Leader of Westminster City Council, faces the same problem.
Pedicabs are currently exempt from the regulations that cover taxi and private hire services. They do not need a licence to operate, are allowed to set their own prices and do not require any form of insurance. This leaves passengers and other road users without protection if they are unlucky enough to be in an accident involving one. Worryingly, Pedicabs are also not subject to any official checks on the safety and ability of their drivers nor the road worthiness of vehicles.
Proper regulation, as outlined in the Bill, would resolve these issues. It is not about completely removing pedicabs from our streets, but making them a safe and enjoyable experience for all and reducing the disruption that some currently cause. There are positives to their use. The growing number being used for deliveries, on top of those used by tourists, could have a positive effect on air quality. Coronavirus has temporarily removed pedicabs from our streets. It’s important however that issues associated with them do not return as we slowly and safely move back to normality.
If you support my Bill to bring the regulation of pedicabs in line with taxis and other private hire vehicles, you can show your support at www.nickieaiken.org.uk/Pedicabs. I am currently looking for other Members of Parliament to sponsor the Bill. If you don’t live in the Cities of London & Westminster constituency please get in touch with your local MP and invite them to get involved.
