DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach city leaders voted 5-2 to approve new rules for pedicab drivers Wednesday night, but the debate isn’t over just yet.
New regulations would require all pedicab drivers to apply for a $200 permit similar to the ones cab drivers need.
They would also need a background check and would be forced to pay an application fee.
Many pedicab drivers said they’re against the new regulations because the cost of doing business is too high and they don’t make enough to pay for permits and fees.
The discussion of more regulation of pedicab drivers picked up after George Brainard was arrested earlier this year for allegedly raping a woman who was his fare.
He has yet to go to trial.
Five Star Pedicab is one of two companies in Daytona Beach, and its owner said he'd go out of business with the new regulations.
"To ask a driver to pay a hundred and something dollars when they come off the street and they usually have nothing would be quite ridiculous,” he said.
City staff members said Wednesday they will look into possible changes to the ordinance including lower fees.
The discussion will be brought up again at a public hearing in two weeks