Happy Days star's warning to tourists after costly mistake
Happy Days star Henry Winkler has issued a warning to fans about rickshaw rides in London, after he was charged £134 (AU$250) for a short trip.
The star revealed on X, formerly Twitter, that he was left with the huge bill after taking a ride on the pedicab, and attached a picture from the back of the rickshaw.
“TRAVEL TIP: Do not take one of these bicycle taxis without absolutely negotiating the price first. This person in London rode us around in circles then finally to our destination seven blocks away … for $170 US!" he wrote.
“My fault, I paid, but passenger beware!
A few hours later, he reiterated his point and added: "Can NOT say this enough."
Fans were quick to back the veteran actor, with one saying: “How can the guy do The Fonz like that?”
Others urged him to take the tube or a cab instead, with one writing: "I would've taken you for free."
Another former cab driver added: "London cabbies are known for being honest, knowledgeable, and decent-It takes a full year for someone to gain all the Knowledge necessary to become a cab driver. I believe they drive black cars. Anyway, this is a former cabbie telling you to grab a real cab."
To which Winkler replied: "I did all the time. For that moment I LOST my mind."
According to the U.K's Local Government Association, pedicabs have been able to charge extortionate prices because they are "exempt from the regulations which cover taxis and private hire vehicles.
"They do not need a [license] to operate, are able to set their own prices and are not subject to checks on the safety and ability of their drivers, or the road worthiness of their vehicles."
However, Transport for London is stepping in to license rickshaw riders and regulate their fares to bring it into line with other forms of transport in the city.
Image: Mark Doyle/ Shutterstock Editorial