Three individuals have been hospitalised following a serious collision between a rickshaw and a bus in West London. The incident occurred shortly after 1am today at the junction of Phoenix Street and Charing Cross Road. Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, and a trauma unit from London's Air Ambulance.

Images from the scene depict the rickshaw's neon lights still glowing amidst the wreckage, as police officers assess the situation on the otherwise quiet street. London Air Ambulance confirmed that one person was transported to a major trauma centre, while the other two were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

A spokesperson for the service stated, "We were called at 1.07am today (25 August) to reports of a road traffic collision at the junction of Charing Cross Road and Phoenix Street. We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London's Air Ambulance. We treated three people. We took one patient to a major trauma centre and two patients to local hospitals."

The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for further information regarding the incident. This crash has raised renewed concerns about the safety of rickshaws, officially known as pedicabs, in London. Transport for London (TfL) is reportedly moving forward with regulatory measures following a public consultation that indicated strong support for stricter controls on these vehicles.

Concerns have been voiced about dangerous driving practices and allegations of inflated pricing for rides. Rickshaws, which are increasingly common in London, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, have drawn scrutiny. The so-called "party cycle rickshaws," known for their loud music and potential to exploit tourists, are of particular concern.

TfL plans to implement regulations aimed at ensuring safe driving, proper maintenance, and responsible operation of rickshaws. Nearly all of the 7,700 respondents to the consultation expressed that drivers should undergo criminal record checks, be insured, and be restricted from playing music at excessive volumes.