Taxi Driver Online

Wokingham cabbies' anger at review of taxi fares


Taxi drivers were ordered by the council to scrap their surcharge on large groups three weeks ago – but the decision was up for debate last night after cabbies questioned the move

Angry cabbies claim Wokingham Borough Council hasn’t been open and transparent about a review of taxi charges.

Taxi drivers were ordered by the council to scrap their surcharge on large groups three weeks ago – but the decision was up for debate last night after cabbies questioned the move.

Drivers had been summoned to meet at a disused car park in Elms Road on Thursday, August 1, for officials to adjust the meters to remove the 50 per cent surcharge for groups larger than four and set a fee of 50p per extra person.

But two days before the scheduled meeting another letter was issued saying the re-calibration had been cancelled. Taxi driver Imran Hussain said: “When was the decision made? The committee never convened. We put together a letter saying it’s not on and there might be legal implications for the council.

“All of a sudden they cancelled the re-calibration and they didn’t say why or give us future dates. Everyone is perplexed. I think they’ve messed up. Nothing was open or transparent – it’s all been behind closed doors. We are lodging a complaint to democratic services. The council has a lot to answer for.”

Cabbies protested the proposed changes in a consultation earlier this year, with some predicting drivers would refuse to pick up more than four people as their profits are squeezed.

Mr Hussain estimates larger vehicles cost an extra £3,000 to £4,000 per year in extra road tax, insurance and costs.

A council spokeswoman said: “Changes in Hackney Carriage tariffs need to be formally approved by the licensing and appeals committee before they can implemented.

“Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding regarding procedures and we have now set up an extraordinary meeting for the committee on Tuesday where responses to the tariff review held in April will be considered.”

An extra-ordinary committee meeting was being held yesterday evening after The Wokingham Times went to press.

source: http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local- ... xi-5717360

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