LONDON: It's fair to say that Malaysian entrepreneur Datuk Seri Vida was taken for a ride when she hopped onto one of London's vibrant, loud, and often-controversial, pedicabs for a brief tour of the city recently.
The ride started off on a high note as she enjoyed the dazzling Christmas lights, cruising from the iconic Selfridges department store towards Oxford Circus. From there, she soaked in the festive "spirit of Christmas" of Regent Street.
However, the festive cheer came with a hefty price tag.
What the Qu Puteh founder was told was that the 10-to-15-minute ride cost an eye-watering £235, which she managed to negotiate down to £200. While the sum — roughly RM1,300 — may not have made a dent in her bank account, it left her visibly shocked. On social media, she warned her 2.9 million followers to avoid falling into the same trap while visiting London.
If it's any consolation, the cosmetic entrepreneur was actually lucky compared to some victims who had been known to have parted with as much as £450 or £500 for rides of less than 10 minutes. Some even faced intimidation, and others were marched off to the ATM to withdraw their money.
The incident has reignited questions among Londoners and tourists alike: why aren't rogue pedicabs being stopped? Did Vida ask about the fare before climbing aboard? And, more importantly, what are the authorities doing about this blight that's giving London's West End a reputation akin to the Wild West?
Pedicabs — bicycle-powered vehicles often decked out with neon lights and blaring music — are a common sight in tourist hotspots like Oxford Street and Regent Street. To tourists, they might seem like a quirky, Instagram-worthy way to explore the city. But to locals, they're an unregulated menace.
The law governing pedicabs in London dates back to 1869, treating them as "stage carriages". This outdated classification allows anyone to buy a pedicab and start charging passengers without needing a licence, insurance, or even a rate card. As a result, fares are often plucked out of thin air, leaving unsuspecting passengers at the mercy of unscrupulous operators.
Even when reported, there's little the police can do. Officers have fined some pedicab drivers for minor offences — blocking pavements, parking in bus lanes, or flouting one-way rules — but the lack of proper regulation makes it nearly impossible to address the heart of the problem. Some pedicabs are unsafe, and a handful of riders have been found to have criminal records.
In one shocking case from February 2022, a pedicab driver blaring loud music was fined for noise violations. It was later discovered that he was the same individual who had charged tourists £180 for a three-minute ride.
Datuk Seri Vida, reflecting on her experience, admitted that she was puzzled by the strange looks she received from onlookers during her ride. She also noticed that most pedicabs were empty, a stark contrast to the bustling Oxford Street crowds. Perhaps word had gotten around about the extortionate fares, deterring potential passengers.
Interestingly, on the day Vida posted her complaint, many pedicabs sat idle, with tourists only approaching them for photos — though even that, some reported, was met with intimidating behaviour from drivers or their accomplices.
Fortunately, change may be on the horizon. The proposed London Pedicabs Bill aims to bring much-needed regulation to the industry. If passed, local government body Transport for London will gain the authority to set fare limits, enforce safety standards and control when, where and how many pedicabs can operate. This would protect tourists from exploitation while ensuring pedestrian safety in busy areas.
For those looking to enjoy London's Christmas lights without the risk of being overcharged, there are plenty of safer and more affordable options.
Two friends visiting the city recently opted for a 90-minute guided tour of London's Christmas lights on an open-top double-decker bus, paying just £38 each.
For an even cheaper alternative, consider taking London's iconic red buses. The number 139 bus, for instance, follows a route that passes most of the major West End Christmas lights, including Oxford Street and Regent Street. For just a fraction of the cost of a pedicab ride, you can secure a front seat and enjoy the festive sights from the comfort and warmth of a bus, all while snapping Instagram-worthy pictures.
Vida's costly pedicab ride serves as a cautionary tale for visitors to London. While the city's festive atmosphere is undeniably magical, it's essential to remain vigilant and plan ahead to avoid falling victim to tourist traps.
So, the next time you're tempted by a flashy pedicab parked outside Selfridges, remember: there are better, safer, and far more economical ways to experience London's Christmas magic.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times