Pedicabs block roads in the West End
(Picture: Westminster Council)Officers leading a crackdown on pedicab riders in the West End are calling for new laws to regulate them.
Police and Westminster Council, who led another enforcement operation at the weekend, are frustrated by the limited powers they have to stop visitors being ripped off.
Earlier this month, a pedicab operator was ordered to return his £180 fee for a three-minute journey.
Two women tourists were told a 500-yard trip from Gerrard Place to the nearby Garrick Theatre would cost them £18 – ten times less.
On Friday night officials targeted riders in Covent Garden, Soho, Chinatown, Mayfair, Oxford Street and Leicester Square.
Five found to be playing music so loud they were causing an annoyance now face prosecution.
Another received a written warning for continuous use of a horn. Several others were moved along for blocking the highway.
A council spokesman called on the government to legislate so pedicab operators can be regulated more effectively.
Heather Acton, cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: “Pedicab operators have caused serious problems across Westminster for many years - blocking pavements, playing loud music, not respecting the Highway Code and charging excessive fares.
“This is especially concerning as we welcome people back to the centre of Westminster after two years of restrictions.
“Westminster City Council will continue to work with the police and also use our existing powers to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy Westminster safely.”
More than 40 riders have been prosecuted since the operation began last November.
Sergeant Ronnie Henderson, of the Met’s Central West Command, said: “We regularly receive complaints about the poor behaviour displayed by some of the riders in Soho and the local area.
“We have listened to these concerns and have been running a dedicated operation since November.
“Time and again, we hear about riders playing loud music late at night.
“Whilst many people may assume that the area is populated solely by businesses, there are also a lot of residents.
“It is only right that the riders – who are unlicensed – also adhere to the appropriate legislation.
“We have also been told of occasions where people are overcharged by riders. I would always encourage people to check carefully, and if in doubt, find another way to get to your destination.”
