Court victory for SE1 'rickshaw' company

The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association took Bugbugs to court. However, a judge at the High Court has upheld an earlier ruling that the trishaws or pedicabs are exempt.

Cathy Stuart, co-director of the Chancel Street business operating 140 three-wheel cycles, said: "There is no way that we are a serious threat to the black cabs. Not only have trishaws cut down on pollution but they have created jobs. If we had lost this case it could have put us out of business."

The LTDA spokesperson said: "We cannot see the benefit to Londoners of having these vehicles on our roads. They are clogging up bus lanes, causing more congestion and operating without supervision in a way which means they charge whatever they can. We would rather see them disappear."

Transport for London is considering draft regulation proposals.