London's 'tacky' pink tuk-tuk pedicabs star in John Lewis' latest Christmas ad - but could they soon be outlawed? Tough new laws crack down on rip-off fares and blaring music

Published: 08:46 EDT, 6 November 2026 | Updated: 08:46 EDT, 6 November 2026 Along with local pantomimes and the King's Speech, John Lewis's Christmas adverts have become a staple of the British festive calendar and are hotly anticipated every year.But this year's offering, starring Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, features another aspect of UK culture somewhat less universally adored – and could even soon be outlawed.Firmly favoured by tourists – and despised by locals – London's tuk-tuk pedicabs will soon be subjected to a renewed set of regulations.The new rules will mean that drivers and operators will need to apply for licences for both themselves and their vehicles.Transport for London (TfL) will also be enforcing maximum journey fares for the first time to ensure that customers are not being charged well-documented rip-off fares. The planned maximum fares would be the total of a base fare of up to £5 plus a per-minute charge of up to £1. This year's John Lewis advert tells the story of a middle-class grandmother (played by Dame Kristin Scott Thomas) who travels in a London pedicab in search of Christmas gifts Transport for London (TfL) will introduce new regulations for pedicabsWhere there is more than one passenger, there is an additional charge of up to £3 for every additional passenger that can be added to the total fare. TfL has introduced regulations that specify a number of important minimum standards that pedicab drivers, vehicles and operators must meet to ensure safety.While the rules were announced in February, The Sun has confirmed they will come into force from November 27.For drivers, this includes an enhanced DBS check, a full driving licence or valid theory test certificate, meeting English language requirements, passing an assessment of their safety, equality and regulatory understanding and meeting minimum medical standards.For vehicles, standards include being road legal, displaying a valid pedicab licence identifier and having regular safety checks, as well as a ban on external audio from the pedicab.Operators will need a London premises with fire risk assessments, record keeping and a basic DBS check for staff.The pedicabs have been criticised on social media, with one Reddit user calling them 'tacky', while another said: 'These things are my least favourite part of London.' TfL will also be enforcing maximum journey fares for the first timeA third wrote: 'I feel like banning pedicabs is the only thing Londoners seem to unanimously agree about.' The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said in February: 'After years of campaigning, I'm pleased that TfL will be regulating pedicabs across the capital to ensure they meet proper operational standards.'Pedicabs should be a fun way to explore London - but too often people face rip-off fares, blaring music and unsafe behaviour. We're bringing in these new rules so that both customers and drivers can benefit from an industry that is more safe, reliable and professional.'This will play an important role in supporting our vital night-time economy and enabling more people to enjoy all that our great city has to offer as we continue building a safer, fairer, greener London for everyone.'