Charter bid to drive out rogue rickshaws

Measures to drive hundreds of rogue pedicabs off central London roads were unveiled today.

Operators of about 600 rickshaws are being asked to sign a voluntary charter agreeing to meet minimum standards. They will need to have seatbelts, brake lights, proper lighting and indicators.

Those who sign up may be able to use specially designated parking bays and pick-up points. They will eventually get an official badge to prove they are operating legitimately.

Officials hope those who fail to sign up - and continue to put passengers at risk - will be squeezed out.

The scheme is being run by Westminster council which warned that unless action was taken to crack down on rogue riders, a tragedy was likely. It said about 200 pedicab operators are already members of the London Pedicabs Operators' Association, which requires members to be insured, undergo training and use machines that are regularly serviced and roadworthy. However, a growing number of cowboy operators are using sub-standard bikes.

Some operators use pedicabs in which the rider sits at the rear with passengers at the front, exposing them to extra danger. These will be excluded by the charter.

Danny Chalkley, Westminster's cabinet member for economic development and transport, said: "It is only a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured or even killed unless something is done to root out rogue operators."

Chris Smallwood, chairman of the pedicabs association, said: "The LPOA is ready and willing to participate."