West End industry leaders welcome regulation of London pedicabs

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have welcomed the results of a Transport for London consultation on pedicabs, calling for quicker regulation in response to growing public concern and safety risks outside West End venues.

More than 7,000 people responded to the consultation, with 75 per cent saying they did not feel safe using pedicabs and 96 per cent supporting restrictions on amplified music.

Hannah Essex, Co-CEO of SOLT and UK Theatre, said: “We welcome TfL’s commitment to regulating pedicabs, following overwhelming public support. With over 7,000 responses, Londoners have made their views clear.”

Theatres have raised ongoing concerns about pedicabs gathering in large numbers outside performance spaces, especially during peak hours. According to SOLT, up to 30 vehicles can crowd certain exits, sometimes driving on pavements and creating congestion that could hinder emergency evacuations.

Loud music from pedicabs has also been reported to disrupt performances inside theatres, with calls for tighter control to protect the audience experience.

TfL has indicated regulation will not come into force until 2026, but Essex warned that delay is not viable: “This is an urgent public safety issue – particularly as we approach the busy Christmas season. We stand ready to work with TfL on the details, but faster action is essential.”

You can see footage of pedicabs outside the Lyceum and Theatre Royal Drury Lane from last September below: