Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what powers currently exist to prevent the operators of rickshaws and pedicabs playing loud music on London's highways.

The Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced a range of flexible powers to make it quicker and easier for police forces, local authorities and other partners to protect victims and communities from anti-social and nuisance behaviour. This includes Community Protection Notices, Public Spaces Protection Order and Dispersal Powers.

It is also an offence under section 97 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 for a person to use a motor vehicle on the road in such a manner as to cause any excessive noise. The police have the power to restrict noise from moving vehicles.

The police also have the power under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to seize vehicles. This can be as a result of driving a vehicle in a careless and inconsiderate manner or driving a vehicle other than on a road, contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988, or using a vehicle in a manner causing, or likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.

The Home Office has not issued any guidance on the use of these powers. How these powers are used is an operational matter for the police.