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A Belgian tourist has complained after being charged \u00a3450 for a seven minute pedicab ride through central London.<\/p>\n
April Argenau was charged a hefty fee for a short 2km ride from Oxford Street to the Royal Lancaster hotel.<\/p>\n
The tourist was with her two children and said she was \u201cshocked\u201d that the driver got away with it.<\/p>\n
She told BBC News: \u201cI felt so threatened, and my kids felt scared. The ride took seven minutes and then we arrived at the hotel, where he got out some device and pressed a button.\u201d<\/p>\n
April said the price originally showed as \u00a3330 and then after the button was pressed, it soared to \u00a3464.<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> Best city in the world to retire as an expat is \u2018beautiful\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n She said the driver refused to back down and became intimidating, demanding payment from her.<\/p>\n April said the driver disappeared quickly after she\u2019d paid and cycled away avoiding the hotel\u2019s CCTV cameras.<\/p>\n Pedicabs have become a common sight in central London and are often decorated with neon lights or blast loud music as they travel.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Despite numerous reports of overcharging, laws covering pedicabs haven\u2019t been updated since 1869.<\/p>\n The vehicles are treated as stage carriages which means anyone can buy one and start charging fees.<\/p>\n Steve Mcnarama, chair of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, told the BBC: \u201cIt\u2019s a national disgrace. Tourists being ripped off is an ongoing problem.\u201d<\/p>\n Last year a tourist was charged \u00a3180 for a three minute journey, even though a fee of \u00a318 had been agreed.<\/p>\n The Met Police said it received regular complaints about the behaviour of some of London\u2019s pedicab drivers.<\/p>\n It urged tourists to \u201ccheck carefully\u201d and use another method to get to their destination if in doubt.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/TRAVEL-Pedicabs-4875747.jpg?r=1690356804718\")
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