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Rickshaws could do the Knowledge

by Saba Salman

Rickshaws, an increasingly common sight in central London, may have to be licensed and their drivers sit "the Knowledge" like black cab drivers, if a group of councillors get their way.

Westminster council Labour Group is calling for the three-wheelers to be licensed before more of them appear on the streets and become a menace. Labour councillors claim there is no guarantee that drivers are trained or that the vehicles are roadworthy.

Murad Qureshi, Westminster Labour Group spokesman on transport, warned: "These rickshaws need regulating now before it is too late.

"They will really take off, particularly in response to the needs of 24-hour public transport for the entertainment industry in central London.

"While using them late at night in the West End may have novelty value, they do need regulating before they become a bigger issue, as we simply don't have the space for them."

A handful of different companies operate the cycle-cabs up and down Charing Cross Road and Soho. Most insist their cyclists complete a twoday training programme and maintain that their taxis are self-regulating because the vehicles are insured and regularly checked for repairs.

One firm, which did not wish to be named, said it wants to ensure the safety of passengers and would not reject a licensing scheme. The company's spokesman added that it would be unnecessary for its cyclists to do the Knowledge.

Licensing the rickshaws presents an immediate problem. It seems that no single body would have responsibility for regulating the new breed of "cycle-taxi". They do not come under the authority of the Public Carriage Office - run by Transport for London - nor is the local authority obliged to regulate them.

Tim Mitchell, vice-chairman of the Tory-run council's transport committee, said: "The council does not have any legal powers to regulate the rickshaws.

"We haven't received complaints about them or been informed that they are unsafe. So far, they are not a cause for concern."

A spokeswoman for Transport for London said TfL is not responsible for regulating them. She added that if the rickshaws were reported as dangerous or if they caused an obstruction, it would be up to police to deal with them.

However, the London Tourist Board said it has no concerns over the safety of the rickshaws. "They add to the visitor experience of London, and make for a more lively city. If we hear of any problems, then it would perhaps be time to act," said a spokeswoman.

The AA shares the tourist board's opinion. A spokesman said: "Passengers are hardly going to get in rickshaws to go from the West End to Heathrow Airport.

"It's basically a novelty for tourists. There's not that many of them around and they travel very short distances. It's not something that's of concern to us at present."

Peter Lewis, director of the London Cycling Campaign, added: "The rickshaws are a healthy, non-polluting alternative to cars, cabs and buses and offer people on short journeys more choice."

RICKSHAWS, an increasingly common sight in central London, may have to be licensed and their drivers sit "the Knowledge" like black cab drivers, if a group of councillors get their way.