Pedicab Licensing - proposed policy and conditions

Overview

We’re reviewing the parts of the Council’s street trading policy which relate to pedicabs and we would like to hear your views on proposals for guidance and policies on their use. Through the policy, we’re aiming to address the concerns previously raised and offers a solution to the issue of pedicab safety.

Pedicabs - sometimes referred to as rickshaws - are a non-motorised type of tricycle which carries passengers in addition to the driver. They have operated in the city since 1996. At present, there are four pedicab companies, 70 licensed employees and approximately 120 pedicabs operating in the city centre. While the Council recognises that pedicabs offer an alternative method of transport, the operation within the city has previously given rise to a number of concerns about passenger safety.

Where members of the public pay for using pedicabs, the person offering that service has to obtain a Street Trader’s Licence from us.

The proposals in the draft policy framework would only apply to pedicabs where payment is taken to carry passengers. The proposed policy would not apply to pedicabs used to transport goods or where payment isn’t taken to carry passengers.

Please read our committee report on Street Trader Licensing – Pedicabs: Update and proposed Licensing Conditions - Regulatory Committee 24 October 2017 if you would like to find out more about the proposed policy framework and background to it. (see link below.)

Why your views matter

In terms of section 39 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, any person who carries out, or offers to carry out, a service in exchange for money or money’s worth is required to hold a Street Trader’s Licence.

Pedicabs (sometimes referred to as rickshaws) are a non-motorised type of tricycle designed to carry passengers in addition to the driver. Where pedicabs are offered as a service to members of the public in exchange for money or money’s worth, the person offering that service is required to obtain a Street Trader’s Licence.

The pedicabs that are subject to this policy are those which are made available with a rider for the purpose of carrying passengers for payment or payment’s worth, and not those pedicabs used for the carriage of goods, or which do not otherwise carry passengers for payment.

The operation of pedicabs in the City is licensed by the City of Edinburgh Council by means of Street Trader licensing, in this instance with respect to the offering of a service (pedicab rides) for money or money’s worth.

Pedicabs have operated in the city since 1996. At present there are four pedicab companies, 70 licensed employees and approximately 120 pedicabs operating in the city centre.

While the City of Edinburgh Council recognises that pedicabs offer an alternative method of transport, the operation within the city has previously given rise to a number of concerns about passenger safety.

The proposed policy framework and conditions are designed to address the concerns previously raised and offers a solution to the issue of pedicab safety.

What happens next

The results of this consultation will be presented to members of the Regulatory Committee for their consideration.