Sadiq Khan slammed for 'tone deaf' move as Tube strikes plunge London into chaos

Sadiq Khan has been accused of launching a "tone deaf" crackdown on rickshaws whilst strikes across the underground bring London to its knees. Critics in City Hall launched a furious broadside at the Mayor today, saying "London is gridlocked by strikes causing chaos for millions" whilst the Mayor has "finally found the time" to regulate the pesky pedicabs.

Keith Prince, the Tories Transport Spokesman in London, said: "We believe pedicabs should be properly regulated - but whilst his union mates make other methods of transport in the capital unviable for Londoners to get to work, this announcement is tone deaf." Millions of commuters face a week of misery, with rail and Tube walkouts blamed on the Mayor's "cosy" relationship with union barons.

Khan's critics say instead of battling strike chaos, the Mayor has chosen to focus on regulating rickshaws in Zone One.

It comes as just yesterday the Conservatives said the Mayor had "gone missing" as strike action hit the city.

New rules on rickshaws, unveiled this week, will see rickshaw drivers needing to undergo criminal background checks, medical tests and safety assessments.

Vehicles will also need to undergo an annual inspection so ensure they are roadworthy, whilst blasting out loud music will be banned.

And fares will be regulated for the first time, with prices set by journey time to stop tourists being ripped off.

Drivers will need to display ID badges and licence plates.

The measures, due to take effect in early 2026, are the first major attempt to bring order to London's chaotic pedicab trade, which has long been accused of fleecing visitors and clogging up roads.

Mr Khan defended the move, insisting it was about safety. He said: "Pedicabs should be a fun and green way to see the sights of our city, but without regulation some drivers are behaving unsafely and anti-socially. That's why I'll be pressing ahead with new measures to ensure pedicabs are safe and the industry can continue to thrive in the future.

But rivals accused him of dragging his feet for months, and of putting the interests of union allies ahead of hard-pressed Londoners. Tory MP Richard Holden said: "Conservatives gave the Mayor of London the tools to sort this problem but the Mayor has failed to act for months. Finally, Labour have been forced by persistent Conservative campaigning into taking action."

On strikes, the Mayor said that "nobody wants to see strike action" and that he urged "the RMT and TfL to get around the table and resolve their dispute".

The Express has contacted the Mayor's office for comment.