Taxi drivers ask BCP Council to increase fares due to inflationhttps://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/ ... inflation/CABBIES across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area are asking for fare to be put up again in the face of rising inflation.The area’s Taxi and Private Hire Association is asking BCP Council for a further six per cent increase on the current tariff.
An 8 per cent rise was agreed earlier this year and came into force from May 1.
Councillors will consider the request at a special licensing committee meeting on Thursday, September 15.
David Lane, from the association, said without the extra increase many drivers face the prospect of not being able to make a living and may have to stop driving.
In a letter to councillors the association secretary David Lane said the continuing rise in all costs is having a devastating effect on driver.
“The £0.506 (34 per cent) increase in the price of each litre of diesel since 1 Jan effectively means a rise of approx. 12.5 per cent in the total expenses for each driver over only a six month period. This is without allowing for any increase in other items.
It added: “We are conscious of the fact that everyone is facing difficulties with their finances due to the current rate of inflation but at the present time our members are facing these increases AND at the same time having their income reduced.”
Mr Lane's letter said the association believes taxi drivers are "the only small business that has to obtain approval to pass on increases in costs as they occur, but have to absorb the resultant loss as we continue to trade".
The association claim the additional six per cent increase in fares, if approved, will only help drivers cover their increased costs and will not result in additional profit.
The current day rate from 6.30am to midnight is an initial charge of £3 with £5.14 for the first mile then £2.59 per mile. The night rate from midnight to 6.30am is a £4 initial charge with £6.85 for the first mile then £3.46 per mile.
If approved, the six per cent increase would apply to all of these figures. A report to the licensing committee also gives examples of what a four per cent and eight per cent increase would mean for fares.
Members of the committee will decide whether to approve the changes as sought, approve them with amendments or refuse the proposed changes.
A council report said in March, when the eight per cent rise was approved, the association declined a 10 per cent increase "with the proviso that they could make a request for a further increase later in the year if necessary".
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