Taxi drivers in North Tyneside are calling for an 8% fare increase to combat worsening business conditions and the cost of living.
Proposed fare changes
The North Tyneside Hackney Carriage Association (NTHCA) is urging North Tyneside Council to approve the increase, which would result in an average cost per mile of £5.52 for a three-mile journey, at around 8% according to council calculations.
Extra charges, including fines for car theft, have been proposed to rise from £125 to £130, and charges for dogs and other animals (except service dogs) to rise from £3 to £4.
The proposed rises apply to what are referred to as 'hackney carriages', which can be hailed on the street or at a taxi rank, and not vehicles that can be pre-booked.
Reasons for the request
The NTHCA's main reason for the request, alongside the cost of living, includes:
- Fuel prices at their highest in 18 months, at 194p a litre for super diesel
- Price of replacement vehicles up by 20%
- Tyre costs up by 10%
- Vehicle parts up by 16%
- Vehicle costs up by 20%
Councillor concerns
However, councillors have voiced concerns about the proposed hike, particularly regarding North Tyneside's elderly residents.
Regulation and review committee member, Coun John O'Shea, said: "I just don't think we have got the right balance. I notice that the taxi trade has had significant uplifts in fuel and insurance and things like that, so they've been suffering for a little while.
"On the other hand, we have residents in North Tyneside who have been suffering as well with the cost of living. I know the government has some ideas around trying to address that.
"My suggestion to the director of public health is to look at a balanced arrangement, not the 8% that has been suggested."
The taxi fare proposals, pending approval from the director of public health, will be made public for at least 14 days and will be open to objections.
