Written question asked by Frank Dobson (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 March 2012. It was answered by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Pedicabs

Question: (3) how many passengers of pedicabs and rickshaws plying for hire were injured in the last year for which figures are available.

Answer: Pedicabs outside London are regarded in law as ““hackney carriages”” (taxis) and local licensing authorities have the power to license them under the existing legislation which applies to hackney carriages. However, in London, pedicabs do not fall within the legal classification of a hackney carriage and are therefore not subject to formal licensing controls.There is no statutory requirement for insurance for pedicabs in London—they are not licensed and they are on a par with ordinary cyclists who do not require insurance. Where pedicabs are licensed as hackney carriages outside London, the licensing authority will be able to require insurance as part of the licensing process.In London, pedicabs are the responsibility of the Mayor of London and Transport for London. As such, the Secretary of State has not carried out any specific assessment of accessibility or compliance with disability discrimination legislation. Similarly, the Secretary of State has not collated any information regarding pedicab passenger injuries in London.I do, however, recognise the concerns that have been expressed from a number of quarters and I am pleased that the Law Commission, which at the Department's request is carrying out a review of legislation relating to taxis and private hire vehicles, is including the position in respect of pedicabs as part of that review.

Secondary information