Dudley taxi drivers’ anger at plans to put fees upThe annual fees taxi drivers pay for licences in Dudley could rise by up to five per cent, it has emerged – sparking calls for a rethink by cabbies.
Dudley Council is looking to increase the costs of applying for and renewing licences from April. A rise of two per cent has been included in the 2013/14 budget but a higher increase of up to five per cent could be approved. Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association is now urging Dudley Council to reconsider the price hike and freeze charges instead.
Under the plans the cost of a private hire licence will go up from £221.87 to £226.31 if a two-per-cent rise is approved. If a five per cent increase is approved it would take the fee to £232.96.
Chairman Shaz Saleem, who represents 15 companies, said many drivers were already struggling to make a living and support their families because of soaring petrol and insurance costs.
He also said drivers wanted to keep fares low for their customers because of the tough economic climate.
“We are just trying to make a living and it’s not an easy job. We work all hours and there can be some risks. We are doing our best to keep our prices as low as possible.
“We would just like the council to consider supporting us by agreeing to freeze the fees for 12 months. We are not saying we do not want to pay, we’re just asking for the fees to be kept at the same rates.”
He said there were more than 1,000 private hire and Hackney Carriage drivers in the borough.
Members of Dudley Council’s taxis committee are expected to consider the proposals to increase the fees at a meeting on Thursday.
source:
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2013 ... t-fees-up/
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