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Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire
http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35248
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Author:  StuartW [ Fri Dec 20, 2019 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

There's been a couple of previous posts on this. I think the very highest tariffs mentioned just apply to more than four passengers.


Proposal tabled to lower taxi fees in Salisbury

https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news ... salisbury/

Image
Image: Tom Gregory/Salisbury Journal

SALISBURY’S late night economy chiefs are calling on council bosses to simplify taxi tariffs, in the hope of bringing more people into the city.

Business owners say that their customers feel they are being “charged too much”, while taxi firm heads claim the highest tariffs – which charge passengers between £4.50 and £6 for a trip of just 176 yards and 45p-60p for every one tenth of a mile thereafter – are too easily accessible.

Currently the countywide charges for hackney carriages – taxis that can pick up passengers from the street or from ranks, are split into five price tariffs, which start at £3.20 for the first 176 yards, and 20p after.

The different tariffs are enforced depending on the seat capacity of the vehicle, and the time of day the journey was started – with prices peaking between 2.30am and 5.59am.

But now, a proposal from the city’s taxi operators, supported by the Late Night Economy Group, announced at a special meeting on Thursday, is set to be submitted to Wiltshire Council to simplify the fees.

This includes plans to have only the lowest tariffs used on a standard day, with the higher tariffs only used for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Amanda Newbery, owner of The Chapel Nightclub, said: “It is time to get this sorted, so we all know where we are coming from.”

It comes just three months after county council leaders rebuffed calls from city businesses to bring in a separate tariff for Salisbury, in a bid to draw more punters into the city.

Cathedral Hotel owner Tommy Roberts said there needed to be “more consistency” and “control” with the rates charged.

Mr Roberts added: “I often hear from my guests that taxis in the city are too expensive and they are being charged two or three different prices.”

He also said charging soldiers £90 from Salisbury to Tidworth [about 15 miles] “cannot be justified”, adding: “We need people in the city, not going to Bournemouth, Southampton or Portsmouth.”

And it wasn’t just business owners who raised concerns.

Kobir Ullah, who runs taxi firms 509090 and 666666, said: “We were against [the previous five tariff changes]. We said we didn’t want a price increase. The council went and still did it. Then brought [in] the five tariffs.”

Adrian Sainsbury, of Value Car Group, added: “The only issue, and it’s not the council’s fault and nobody’s fault in this room, is that the tariffs are too high at one end and too available – available for people to be used and that needs to be discussed.”

In response, Julie Anderson-Hill, of Wiltshire Council, said each of the tariffs were the market rate.

She said: “There are certain perimeters in that in terms of time, the number of days that those tariffs apply. The allowance the driver can change is to pay up to the maximum of that tariff. So for example if the maximum tariff is £50 and somebody comes over I’m going to charge you £35 or £50. That is the flexibility in which we have allowed the businesses to have.”

Wiltshire councillor for Old Sarum Ian McLennan said: “Just about everywhere else other than Salisbury wanted to keep the higher tariffs after midnight because they say they haven’t got the same competition and need. There isn’t the nighttime economy in the north that there is in the south.”

Another taxi firm operator said: “The issues is not the day tariff or the tariff up until 2.30am. The problem is Wiltshire Council have given the right for any particular driver to charge stupidly high rates. We never wanted it in 2014, we don’t want it now. We want to go back to a standard three tariff, a day rate, night rate and Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day — the three days on tariff three.”

Salisbury councillor Atiqul Hoque added that for the city to “thrive” the tariff needed to be simplified.

The proposal is to be discussed by Wiltshire Council’s licensing committee on January 27.

Author:  Nidge2 [ Fri Dec 20, 2019 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Don't you just love pub and club owners who try and dictate price reductions? Why not drop the price of your beer and charge less for people to get into your pubs and clubs.

Author:  StuartW [ Fri Dec 20, 2019 7:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council wrote:
“There are certain perimeters in that in terms of time, the number of days that those tariffs apply. The allowance the driver can change is to pay up to the maximum of that tariff. So for example if the maximum tariff is £50 and somebody comes over I’m going to charge you £35 or £50. That is the flexibility in which we have allowed the businesses to have.”

Thought I'd have another read of that almost 12 hours later to see if it made any more sense.

Well it does make sense in a way. But talk about clunky wording and sentence construction. Not exactly an object lesson in clarity [-(

Author:  edders23 [ Fri Dec 20, 2019 8:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Nidge2 wrote:
Don't you just love pub and club owners who try and dictate price reductions? Why not drop the price of your beer and charge less for people to get into your pubs and clubs.



it doesn't read like that to me more a plea for parity with other towns and cities in that region

Author:  Sussex [ Fri Dec 20, 2019 11:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Quote:
Cathedral Hotel owner Tommy Roberts said there needed to be “more consistency” and “control” with the rates charged.

Yeah, and why not get the council to get a group of cabbies to regulate the room rates you charge. [-(

Author:  StuartW [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Salisbury City Council supports proposal to change taxi tariff system

https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news ... ff-system/

CIVIC chiefs have shown their support for updating taxi tariffs in Salisbury, after “getting ripped off by unscrupulous drivers” was how the current system was described.

Councillors unanimously agreed to back suggested tariff changes, in which the countywide five-tier system will instead be spilt into three in Salisbury, and pricier tiers four and five will be abolished.

As previously reported, in December Julie Anderson-Hill of Wiltshire Council, head of services for waste and environment culture and operational change, met with representatives from city taxi firms, local night time economy bosses, the Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID) and Street Pastors, as well as leader of Salisbury City Council, Jeremy Nettle, to discuss the tariff system used in the city and propose simplifying the fees.

It has now been suggested that hackney carriages - taxis that can pick up passengers from the street or from ranks - use tariff one, offering the lowest prices, between 6am and 11pm, tariff two between 11pm and 6am, as well as all day on Sundays and on Boxing Day, and tariff three on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day only.

At the Planning Committee meeting Monday night, Adrian Sainsbury, of Value Car Group, said “Salisbury would be better” if the tariff system was updated, adding: “I’m asking for this because the tariffs as they are at the moment, there is so much corruption - people from the station, the taxi ranks late at night [are getting] ripped off by unscrupulous drivers of taxi ranks and it needs to stop.”

All councillors voted to support the latest proposal including Councillor Atiqul Hoque, who said he was “really pleased”, adding that the reintroduction of tariffs would make a “significant difference” in helping the tourism and nighttime economy in Salisbury, as well as being of benefit to the younger generations.

Cllr Hoque also suggested all taxis should offer card payment to customers, in which Mr Sainsbury answered that paying by card is already available in some vehicles.

Mr Sainsbury added: “Paying on card is just the way forward now, for safety, crime issues, it keeps cash in the bank, the kids are safe, it just makes for a better scenario and [gives taxi companies] accountability.”

After the meeting Cllr Nettle said that since he became the city council leader he has had conversations with Salisbury residents about the “inappropriate use of the tariffs”, including one customer spending £35 to travel from the city centre to Lower Woodford at a weekend, and another spending £90 from Larkhill to Salisbury on a Saturday afternoon.

He added: “It is very important that Salisbury has consistent fares as part of encouraging not only an evening economy but also during the day.

“[This is] at a time when not only do we want to encourage people to come into Salisbury more, but more residents, some of these are vulnerable, are using taxis.

"What we as a city council want on behalf of our residents is to ensure that all taxis abide by the tariff rates. The simple message - book your journeys by phone and ask what tariff will be applied, should you then be charged otherwise, record the taxi number in the vehicle and send a complaint to Wiltshire Council.”

The views of Salisbury City Council will now be forwarded to Wiltshire Council’s Licensing Committee - which launched the five-tier scheme, to discuss on January 27.

Author:  StuartW [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Quote:
At the Planning Committee meeting Monday night, Adrian Sainsbury, of Value Car Group, said “Salisbury would be better” if the tariff system was updated, adding: “I’m asking for this because the tariffs as they are at the moment, there is so much corruption - people from the station, the taxi ranks late at night [are getting] ripped off by unscrupulous drivers of taxi ranks and it needs to stop.”

I would agree that the highest £6/mile tariff is too high, but a bit much to accuse drivers of 'corruption' and being 'unscrupulous' if they're simply charging the rates set by the council [-(

Sounds more like the operator here trying to promote his own business by denigrating others unfairly [-X

Quote:
After the meeting Cllr Nettle said that since he became the city council leader he has had conversations with Salisbury residents about the “inappropriate use of the tariffs”, including one customer spending £35 to travel from the city centre to Lower Woodford at a weekend, and another spending £90 from Larkhill to Salisbury on a Saturday afternoon.

These trips are about 4 miles and 12 miles respectively :shock:

Which might suggest that drivers are using the incorrect tariffs - maybe they don't have calendar meters.

But makes it sound like that's related to the mega-tariffs, which it's not - that would be down to 'unscrupulous' drivers, but could happen anywhere, and nothing to do with the particular scenario here.

Author:  StuartW [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Quote:
The views of Salisbury City Council will now be forwarded to Wiltshire Council’s Licensing Committee - which launched the five-tier scheme, to discuss on January 27.

Incidentally, I think Wiltshire Council is the licensing authority here, and I think it may be zoned.

Anyway, Salisbury City Council seems something between a community council and a licensing authority as we normally know them, but not a city council as we normally refer to them.

Which, of course, is why the city council's 'views' have been forwarded to Wiltshire Council's licensing committee.

Author:  Sussex [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Quote:
and Street Pastors

Delighted to see the Street Pastors consulted on taxi driver wages. Image

Author:  Karga [ Mon Jan 13, 2020 10:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Sussex wrote:
Quote:
and Street Pastors

Delighted to see the Street Pastors consulted on taxi driver wages. Image


YOU'RE GOING TO HELL!

Author:  Sussex [ Mon Jan 13, 2020 10:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Quote:
YOU'RE GOING TO HELL!

See you there. 8-[

Author:  StuartW [ Thu Jan 23, 2020 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Not sure if the word 'fee' here in the newspaper's headline is the best one. 'Fares' or 'tariffs' probably better. 'Fees' more normally associated with the charges that the trade pays local authorities for licences, or at least that's certainly how I usually use these terms on here.


Wiltshire Council licensing committee to discuss taxi fee changes

https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news ... e-changes/

PROPOSALS to change the current taxi five-tier tariff system in Wiltshire will be discussed at a licensing committee meeting next week.

Taxi fares have been a topical issue in Salisbury for the past two years, and Wiltshire Council will now be considering an update to the county-wide tariff system, in the hope that visitors will pay revised and more appropriate fees for their journeys.

The changes to the system are designed to encourage the use of more taxis, which would in turn improve the late night economy and safeguard individuals by reducing walks home.

As previously reported, Julie Anderson- Hill of Wiltshire Council met with representatives from city taxi firms and the local economy in December to discuss the tariff system in Salisbury and simplifying the fees.

It was suggested that hackney carriages - taxis that can pick up passengers from the street or from ranks - use tariff one, offering the lowest prices, between 6am and 11pm, tariff two between 11pm and 6am, as well as all day on Sundays and on Boxing Day, and tariff three on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day only. This proposal was also supported by Salisbury City Council.

Wiltshire Council has now proposed changes for the entire county - suggesting that vehicles with up to four seats should use tariff one between 7am and 9.59pm, tariff two between 10pm and 6.59am and tariff three all day on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and bank holidays.

The authority has also suggested vehicles with more than four seats should run tariff two between 7am and 9.59pm, tariff four between 10pm and 6.59am and tariff five on the same public holidays as listed above.

“We just want the best deal for all our customers, both in the evenings and daytime. A fully open and transparent taxi service that is affordable,” said Chapel Nightclub owner Amanda Newbery, who has frequently pushed for a review into taxi fares.

She added: “The recommendations going ahead are more or less in line with what the taxi service and nighttime economy had put forward, so it is important that we attend this meeting to make sure our late-night economy in South Wiltshire is fit for purpose.”

In response to the current tariff system, Ian McLennan, Wiltshire Councillor for Laverstock, Ford and Old Sarum and member of the scrutiny team, said there was a “distinct difference” in the nighttime economies across the county, adding: “One size does not fit all!

“We recommended the lower tariff bands are used in Salisbury - which the main companies use anyway. If it is compulsory for all taxi drivers in the south and the meters are set accordingly, then the opportunity to take advantage of customers, by the few, will disappear.

“I would hope, as a consequence, that the vibrant night economy will see a mass influx of returning and new visitors.”

If the proposal is approved by the licensing committee, the changes will be subject to a public consultation, and if then approved the new tariff system will be implemented by the summer.

The meeting will be on Monday, January 27 at 10.30am, in Trowbridge County Hall.

Author:  StuartW [ Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council approves taxi tariff system changes

https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news ... nts-anchor

PROPOSALS to change the “ludicrous” county-wide taxi tariff system will now face public consultation, following unanimous approval from members of Wiltshire Council, however Salisbury will not get its own rate.

The authority held an extraordinary licensing committee meeting on Monday to discuss the current taxi five-tier tariff system and suggested updates, in a bid to help Wiltshire visitors pay revised and more appropriate fees for their journeys.

The licensing committee approved the proposed changes, and despite Salisbury not getting its own rate, Chapel Nightclub owner Amanda Newbery, who attended the meeting, described the result as “feeling like the end of a five-year journey”.

She added: “I am so relieved that officers and councillors have now come to a conclusion that these taxi fares must come to an end, and will be at least comparable with Bournemouth.

“This is going to make such a difference to young people and all of our visitors.”

The proposals suggest that hackney carriages with up to four seats should use tariff one between 6am and 9.59pm, tariff two between 10pm and 5.59am and tariff three all day on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and bank holidays.

The authority has also approved that vehicles with more than four seats should run tariff two between 6am and 9.59pm, tariff four between 10pm and 5.59am and tariff five on the same public holidays as listed above.

It has been agreed that an additional 30p will be added to all flag rates.

During the meeting a statement from indepedent taxi driver for Salisbury, Paul Humphries, described Salisbury as “different” to the rest of the county, adding that taxi timings are “ludicrous” and needed to be addressed, suggesting night time tariffs should only apply during nightclub hours.

In part of his statement it said: “One of the key points to address is safety, forget price. The safety of the driver, the passenger and any other members of the public that are road users is paramount.

“Safety needs to come first. Education is important. We need to educate the public as well as drivers as what to charge – this is what is going wrong – it needs to be simplified.”

A statement from Warminster taxi driver Adrian Berridge echoed the idea that Salisbury is “different”, but added that this cannot cause the tariff system to change for the rest of Wiltshire.

During the meeting officers pointed out that the original proposed tariff card, which was reported in last week’s Journal, included a typo that needed correcting - tariff one journeys are proposed to start at 6am (not 7am), and tariff two should end at 5.59am (not 6.59am).

Before the meeting, leader of Salisbury City Council, Jeremy Nettle, described expensive tariffs as “a barrier” to Salisbury, that could have a “detrimental” impact.

He added: “Given our recent announcement that our Purple Flag re-validation has been successful, Salisbury City Council and our partners are keen to see an improvement to our evening and night time economy.

“We all need to encourage a successful evening and night time economy if we don’t want to see more closures within the city.”

A public consultation will take place in February on the revised hackney carriage fees and tariffs schedule, and it is anticipated by the council that the updated system will be implemented in the summer.

If significant changes rise during the public consultation stage, proposals could return to the licensing committee.

Author:  StuartW [ Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Quote:
During the meeting a statement from indepedent taxi driver for Salisbury, Paul Humphries, described Salisbury as “different” to the rest of the county, adding that taxi timings are “ludicrous” and needed to be addressed, suggesting night time tariffs should only apply during nightclub hours.

In part of his statement it said: “One of the key points to address is safety, forget price. The safety of the driver, the passenger and any other members of the public that are road users is paramount.

“Safety needs to come first. Education is important. We need to educate the public as well as drivers as what to charge – this is what is going wrong – it needs to be simplified.”

A statement from Warminster taxi driver Adrian Berridge echoed the idea that Salisbury is “different”, but added that this cannot cause the tariff system to change for the rest of Wiltshire.

Not 100% sure whether these drivers arguing for or against the current tariff structure :-s

Author:  Sussex [ Thu Jan 30, 2020 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Proposal to lower £6 per mile 2.30am tariff in Wiltshire

Quote:
Not 100% sure whether these drivers arguing for or against the current tariff structure :-s

I suspect they have lost the will to live.

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