American tourist alleges rickshaw drivers overcharged her during London ride
American tourist Heather Ford says three rickshaw drivers tried to overcharge her and obtain her phone during a short ride in central London. She escaped without handing over her phone or card, but says the encounter left her frightened and affected a solo holiday she had planned for years.
Ford, 39, said the driver took her past her hotel near Charing Cross, then demanded £52 for a journey of about five minutes, including £40 in cash. Two other men allegedly joined him and asked to use her phone; when she refused, one asked for her bank card. The article says a price list showed charges of up to £10 per person per minute, and that Mayor Sadiq Khan had launched a crackdown on rickshaw drivers.
In short
- Tourist says three rickshaw drivers tried to take her phone and card.
- She was asked to pay £52 for a ride of about five minutes.
- London has launched a crackdown on excessive rickshaw charges.
Explained simply
Pedicabs, often called rickshaws in London, are three-wheeled vehicles that carry passengers, usually around busy central areas. Fares may be set by the driver, so passengers can face high charges if the price is not agreed clearly before the journey.
Heather Ford is an American visitor who says she was travelling alone near Charing Cross when the fare and requests for her phone and bank card became a concern. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced action aimed at tackling problems involving rickshaw drivers, amid wider questions about passenger safety and how fares are set.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “American tourist says she was left terrified after trio of rickshaw drivers ‘tried to scam her and steal her phone’ during ‘dream holiday’ in London”.