West End pedicabs have been issued with fines for playing overly loud music late at night.
Prosecution against four riders is being pursued after they were found blaring pop, house and rock music after 9pm.
On Wednesday, eight riders found during enforcement operations last year were charged a total of £4792 in fines, costs and victim surcharges for causing late night disturbance.
Council Leader Adam Hug vowed to continue to crack down on West End pedicab operators until ‘the wheel comes off’ the racket.
He said: “Whether it’s raucous music or rip-off fares, Westminster’s officers are on the streets to ensure West End visitors aren’t taken for a ride by dodgy pedicab operators.
“We’ll keep up the court action until the wheel comes off the pedicab racket.”
The council now has additional powers to tackle disturbance on the street thanks to a new Community Protection Notice under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839.
Numerous pedicabs operate in popular visitor spots across the West End, most notably in Soho, Mayfair and outside Selfridges on Oxford Street.
But legislation to regulate passenger carrying pedal vehicles put forward by local MP Nickie Aiken was paused by the government last year.
Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Public Protection, criticised the lack of support from Whitehall.
She said: “Despite our hard work, the lack of central government support is just not good enough. It leaves us tackling pedicabs with one hand tied behind our back. They need to give Transport for London more licensing powers.
“We will continue to do everything we can to stop rogue riders ruining the lives of residents and spoiling Westminster for our visitors.”
Image: Westminster City Council.