Rise in taxi fares is on the agenda at Fenland District Council

Taxi fares in Fenland are set to be reviewed for the first time in seven years following a request from the hackney trade to increase prices.

Two amendments to existing taxi tariffs will be considered by Fenland District Council’s Cabinet on Thursday (27). The first is to increase the amount for each person carried in excess of four passengers from 20p to 30p, while the second is to enable the same enhanced bank holiday rate to be charged on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

If agreed, the fares set would be the maximum permitted fee allowed. Drivers would not be allowed to charge any more, but could choose to charge less if they wish.

Councillor Sam Clark, portfolio holder for licensing, said: “The hackney carriage trade has requested a review of taxi tariffs to help meet the costs of fuel and running costs, which have escalated since our last fares increase in 2012.

“The Council has a responsibility to regulate the fares which are passed to customers by our licensed taxi drivers and it is important that we strike a balance between the trade’s right to make a reasonable living and the needs of the travelling public.

“If the amendments go ahead the new tariffs would be the maximum any hackney carriage driver could charge, but individual drivers are at liberty to charge less than the approved tariff if they choose to do so.”

The proposed amendments, which have been consulted on, would bring the district’s taxi fares in line with neighbouring authorities.

The tariffs would not apply to private hire drivers who set their own fares without Council involvement.