London Pedicab Drivers Must Be Licensed from Today Under New TfL Regime

After years of complaints about overcharging and noise from unlicensed pedicabs, Transport for London's new regulatory framework comes into effect on 30 October 2026. All drivers and operators must now hold a TfL licence, while vehicle licensing will follow from February 2027. To obtain a licence, drivers must pass an enhanced DBS check, hold a full driving licence or valid theory test certificate, meet English language requirements, pass a safety, equality and regulatory understanding assessment, and satisfy minimum medical standards. Fares are now regulated too: rides are capped at a base fare of up to £5 and up to £1 per minute, with an additional charge of up to £3 per extra passenger. The playing of external audio from pedicabs — a longstanding source of noise complaints — is also prohibited from today. TfL has noted that the new fare structure would still allow drivers to earn in excess of the London Living Wage. Mayor Sadiq Khan said pedicabs should be "a fun way to explore London," but that rip-off fares, blaring music and unsafe behaviour had made the new rules necessary, with the aim of making the industry "more safe, reliable and professional."