Increase in Shepway taxi fares approved by councillorsHIGHER taxi fares should have come in sooner, one driver has argued, after councillors approved hikes of 12.5 per cent.
The Herald exclusively reported earlier this month that taxi prices across Shepway were to rise, a proposal agreed by the district council's licensing committee.
The standard rate will rise from £3.80 for the first mile to £4.20, a 10.5 per cent rise, while the cost of subsequent miles will jump by 12.5 per cent.
Age UK has said that such a rise could price elderly people out of going to the doctor.
Our original story provoked a strong reaction from customers and drivers alike, with the trade seemingly split on the rise.
The proposal to increase fares was submitted by Bryan Kenny-Levick, owner of Pro Cars in Hythe, last November.
He said: "By the time it comes in, it will have taken about seven months.
"Petrol prices have gone up by 9p a litre in that time. The council has acted far too slowly.
"There are so many costs involved in this business, not just fuel, and we're not a charity, we're there to run it as a business.
"If Age UK feels people will be hard done by, perhaps vouchers could be issued to the elderly to redeem with us."
Mr Kenny-Levick also wants "peak" hours – when higher tariffs apply – to cover all of Sundays and start at 11pm rather than midnight.
Councillors agreed to set up a group to discuss this, but several firms and drivers say they are opposed to a longer peak period.
Paul Berardo, director of Premier Taxis, said: "It is ridiculous, it would mean a charge of £6 for the first mile on Sundays, which isn't fair. Lots of people need taxis on Sundays, for work or church.
"A price increase is needed due to the price of fuel. It would only put 40p on the average journey, but it does sound a lot when you say it as a percentage."
Jake Sackett, owner of JJ Taxis, said: "We will probably put our fares up slightly but nowhere near the maximum."
source:
http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Increase-Sh ... story.html
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