"North Yorkshire Council has proposed increasing taxi fares by around 5 per cent, warning that sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices are squeezing the trade's viability. The council said fuel prices have risen significantly since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, with petrol up by 18 per cent and diesel rising by 32 per cent since fare levels were last set in July 2024."
"Under the proposals, the daytime mileage rate for hackney carriage journeys between 7am and 10pm would rise from £2.22 to £2.33 per mile, while waiting time charges would increase from £20.23 to £21.24 per hour. Higher tariffs are also planned for evening and night-time journeys, with additional increases proposed for Christmas and New Year periods, when demand typically peaks."
"Councillor Richard Foster said regular reviews were necessary to ensure the sector remained sustainable amid rising operating costs. He said taxi services played a "vital" role in local communities, including school transport, late-night travel and support for rural mobility. The council emphasised that the changes would apply only to hackney carriage vehicles, which are either hailed on the street, used at taxi ranks or pre-booked."
"While the authority acknowledged the impact on passengers, it said fare caps were intended to provide "certainty, consistency and protection" against excessive pricing. Taxi operators would still be free to charge below the maximum rates if they chose to do so. Officials also pointed to wider financial pressures on drivers, estimating average vehicle running costs at more than £3,000 per year, driven largely by fuel and maintenance expenses."
North Yorkshire Council has proposed increasing maximum hackney carriage taxi fares by around 5% in response to rising fuel prices. Petrol has risen 18% and diesel has increased 32% since fare levels were last set in July 2024. The daytime mileage rate between 7am and 10pm would increase from £2.22 to £2.33 per mile, and waiting time charges would rise from £20.23 to £21.24 per hour. Evening and night-time tariffs would also increase, with additional changes planned for Christmas and New Year periods. The council said regular reviews are needed to keep the sector viable and noted that fare caps aim to provide certainty and protection, while operators can still charge below maximum rates.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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