Westminster City Council has launched a new awareness campaign in tandem with the Met Police to warn against rogue pedicab operators.
As part of the council’s strategy to crack down on nuisance pedicab operators in central London, a new “be careful what you get into” campaign has been unveiled.
Since November last year, the council has been working to clamp down on operators who charge inflated prices for customers operating around Oxford Street, Soho, the West End and Covent Garden.
So far, £17,375 worth of fines have been handed out over 22 cases with Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman, Hippodrome Casino, welcoming what he called “decisive” action by the council.
Despite having limited powers to enforce the riders, in the last year, council officers have taken the details of 62 operators for playing overly loud music after 9pm. Additionally, 27 riders have been served with written warnings for their behaviour.
“We want to encourage residents and visitors to use licensed forms of transport in order to travel safely around Westminster,” councillor Aicha Less, deputy leader, cabinet leader for communities and public protection added.
“I am proud of our continued partnerships with the Metropolitan Police and local businesses in tackling nuisance pedicabs, we have worked incredibly hard to tackle the issue despite having limited powers.”
The new scheme will now see signage posted in hotspot areas where the pedicabs operate, while the public will also be encouraged to use public transport where possible.
Officers will also be given leaflets to share with the public and business owners.
Simon Crew, chief inspector for Neighbourhoods & Royal Parks at the Metropolitan Police, said: “Nuisance caused by pedicabs has a significant detrimental impact to the local businesses and residents in the West End. We are committed to tackling this issue and will continue to work closely in partnership with the council and local businesses.”
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All four were prosecuted under the Control of Pollution Act in what the council hoped would be a “warning” that nuisance pedicab drivers will not be tolerated in central London.
