Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers plead for charge freeze

TAXI drivers in South Lakeland have claimed increased licensing costs could contribute towards them going out of business.

South Lakeland District Council’s licensing committee voted to increase licensing fees and charges for hackney carriages by 4.2 per cent.

The increases in real terms are relatively modest, with a 12-month licence for a taxi up to three years old, for example, rising from £218 to £227.

But in the report before councillors, some taxi bosses pleaded for the committee to freeze the charges.

They said trade was already suffering significantly due to increases in fuel prices, the VAT rise, the recession, and the fact they were unable to increase their fares until SLDC reviews the tariffs next year.

James Grogan, boss of Grange-based Parkers Taxis, said in the report: “In the present economic climate I am aware we all have to make cutbacks.

“But with the cost of fuel having risen by 54p per gallon since May 2010, and still rising, by the time you (SLDC) come to consider whether we merit another increase in fares, we will be working for nothing and a lot of small companies like myself could well have gone out of business.”

A representative of Grasmere-based H Fisk Taxis said in the report: “It’s now three years since a meaningful rise in fares and all costs – insurance and repairs – have risen greatly in this time.

“If things continue like this I will be out of business.”

SLDC officer Tracy Howard said that even with the increases, the council would still be operating at a loss of around £4,000 for 2011-12 in that section of the budget.

Ms Howard told the meeting in Kendal: “It could be a lot higher than it is and we are keeping it at an absolute minimum to minimise the impact on the trade.”

Ms Howard said five taxi companies had replied regarding the proposed increases, representing 1.5 per cent of the industry.

Low Furness councillor James Airey voted against the increases, along with Councillor Ted Walsh.

Cllr Airey said it was important SLDC supported the taxi trade, with other public transport being cut and its importance to more vulnerable people.

He said: “OK, the increase may be small. It is, however, adding extra burden to taxi drivers when we’re not giving them the equity to make it back with an increase in their charges.”

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/ulverston/

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Does it cost more to license a motor older than three years then?

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IDFIMH