Pedicab regulation: What's next?
Pedicab regulation comes to central London
From October 2026, pedicab services in central London will come under a formal licensing and enforcement regime for the first time. A major step toward improving safety, professionalism, and transparency on the streets of the West End.
The new system has been introduced following powers granted to Transport for London (TfL) in the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024, to regulate the industry after 10 years of campaigning by HOLBA, MPs, local authorities, and business groups.
What’s changing?
For the first time, pedicab drivers, vehicles, and operators will all require licences, alongside new safety, noise, and fare controls.
Key updates include:
🔹Licences required for both drivers and operators by 30 October 2026, and for vehicles by February 2027.
🔹Enhanced DBS checks, English language and medical standards for drivers.
🔹Vehicles must be road-legal, display a valid licence identifier, and pass regular safety checks.
🔹Ban on loud external speakers and requirements for regular fire risk and record keeping for operators.
🔹Maximum regulated fares to end overcharging and support transparent pricing.
| Licence type | Key dates |
| Pedicab drivers | 9 March 2026 – Driver assessments and licence applications open (and fees come into force (£114 for drivers, £100 for vehicles, both valid for one year)) 30 October 2026 – All drivers must be licensed |
| Pedicab operators | 1 August 2026 – Operator licence applications open 30 October 2026 – All operators must be licensed |
| Pedicab vehicles | 4 January 2027 – Vehicle licence applications open 17 February 2027 – All vehicles must be licensed |
| Maximum fares | 30 October 2026 – Regulated fares come into force |
Proposed maximum fares:
🔹Up to £5 base fare
🔹Up to £1 per minute
🔹Up to £3 per additional passenger
Full details are available in TfL’s pedicab fares and fees proposals.
Why this matters for the West End
Pedicabs are a unique, low‑carbon way to explore central London, but until now, they’ve operated without formal oversight. The new regulations will:
🔹Improve safety standards for passengers, drivers, and other road users.
🔹Ensure fair pricing with capped fares.
🔹Help identify licensed operators and take action against rogue traders.
🔹Reduce noise and disruption, especially around theatres, hotels, and nightlife areas such as Soho and Leicester Square.
During the next 12 months, visitors should start noticing clearer identification on vehicles, safer operations, and more consistent interactions across the network.
Enforcement
TfL will be responsible for enforcement from October 2026 with support from the Met Police.
In the interim period, Westminster City Council have put in place a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) specifically to better regulate the most problematic aspects of pedicab rider behaviour. Read more here.
What businesses can do next
🔹Ahead of implementation: brief your front‑of‑house and guest‑facing teams so they’re familiar with the new rules and can advise visitors confidently.
🔹As the regime goes live, report any operational issues or improvements via your HOLBA contact.
🔹Your feedback helps understand where further area management is needed.
🔹If it’s an urgent issue, speak with the Police or our security team, My Local Bobby on 07432 273388 or 0752 3901505.
Find out more
TfL’s latest consultation report, detailing feedback from over 2,400 stakeholders, is available here.
TfL will publish the full regulations on driver, vehicle, and operator requirements shortly.
Businesses with questions or concerns can raise them via HOLBA’s engagement team.