Isle of Wight get 2nd increase in 12 years. 20p after midnight!!
Posted by admin on November 25th, 2009
Source: Isle of Wight County Press
The Isle of Wight Council’s licensing committee is considering marginal increases of up to 20p a mile after midnight.
Roger Coombes, of Alpha Taxis, a long standing campaigner for review, said: “An increase has been five years coming and seven years before that. What other transport operator hasn’t increased fares in that time?
“We recognise times are tough for everyone but this is too little, too late.”
Monday’s meeting will be told that under the current table, Island taxis — that 12 years ago were the dearest in the country — had slipped down the league table.
In a report to the committee, director of environment and neighbourhoods Stuart Love said: “Using the current table of fares, the cost of a five-mile journey during the day on the Island is £9.40.
The highest in the country (Tunbridge Wells) is £13.40 and the lowest (Bolsover) is £5.80. The national average is £10.10 and the average for the southern area is £10.90.
“There is no real explanation as to why there is such a huge difference. The cost of living, including the average wage, would have a huge influence on the sustainability of each area’s fare.”
If the committee decided to hold fares at existing levels there would be a risk to the livelihoods of the Island’s 180 cab licence holders, he said.
The meeting will be told the tariff details the maximum fares proprietors can charge. Private hire was subject to different rates.