Overview

This bill aims to regulate pedicabs in England and Wales by giving local authorities the power to license and control pedicab businesses and riders. This includes setting standards for safety, fares, and operating practices, and establishing penalties for non-compliance.

Description

Licensing and Regulation:

The bill allows national authorities (the Secretary of State for England and the Welsh Ministers for Wales) to create regulations controlling pedicabs. This includes licensing or registering pedicab businesses and riders, setting rules about fares, prohibiting or restricting activities (like soliciting), specifying construction and maintenance standards, and mandating accident reporting.

Amendments to Road Traffic Legislation:

The bill amends existing road traffic legislation to include pedicabs as "vehicles" under certain Acts, allowing for the application of existing regulations and penalties concerning parking, bus lane violations, and other traffic offenses.

Penalties:

The bill sets out penalties for offences against the new regulations. These range from a level 3 fine for minor offenses to a level 5 fine for offenses involving dishonesty or operating unlicensed.

Enforcement:

The bill grants power to constables and authorized officers to seize pedicabs suspected of being used in the commission of an offense, potentially leading to forfeiture of the pedicab by a magistrates' court.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under this Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts due to this Act, will be paid from public funds. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Pedicab Businesses: Will be subject to licensing and regulation, potentially increasing costs and administrative burdens, but also providing a framework for fair competition.
• Pedicab Riders: Will be subject to licensing and regulation, including requirements for fares and conduct.
• Local Authorities: Will be responsible for licensing, enforcing regulations, and managing any associated costs.
• Passengers: May benefit from safer and more reliable pedicab services, and possibly more standardized fares.
• Police and other enforcement officers: Will have increased powers to enforce the new regulations.

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