Pedicabs (London) Bill debated at Lords second reading

The Pedicabs (London) Bill seeks to empower Transport for London to regulate tricycle taxis (pedicabs) in the captial for the first time.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main issues in the bill and flagged up concerns or specific areas where they believe amendments (changes) may be needed.

Members speaking 

Contributing members included:

• Lord Berkeley (Labour), former vice president of Cycling UK
• Lord Liddle (Labour), Lords opposition spokesperson for transport and former Lambeth borough councillor
• Lord Moylan (Conservative), former deputy chair of Transport for London
• Baroness Randerson (Liberal Democrat), Lords Liberal Democrat spokesperson for transport.

Lord Davies of Gower (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government:

'This bill will correct a long-standing anomaly where pedicabs are the only form of unregulated transport operating on the streets of London. Pedicabs are a quick, green option for Londoners and for tourists looking to get from point A to C via B, while taking in the sights of this wonderful city.'

Lord Berkeley said:

'We must try to make sure that this legislation applies to future trends in transport that we are seeing. Can the minister explain why we do not yet have any legislation on electric scooters or electric bikes?'

Get involved 

• Watch the debate on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore further information

• Find out more about the proposed new law in the House of Lords Library Pedicabs (London) Bill briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance to examine the bill line by line and make changes, is scheduled for Monday 11 December.

How to follow

• Watch live on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript from three hours after the debate.

Image: Adam Cole / Pixabay