Taxi fares to rise by 5% in Hart Taxi fares in Hart are set to go up by 5% from December after an increase was agreed by Hart District Council.
Hart’s licensing committee approved a tariff increase of 20p for the first mile during the daytime and a 30p increase for the night, bank holiday and weekend rate for the same distance travelled on November 5.
David King, principal licensing officer for the council, said in his report: “The increase is due to the rise in fuel prices and other ongoing charges since the last change in the tariff occurred on December 13 2011.
“I know that fuel costs have dropped slightly recently but the tariff increase covers all taxi running costs as they have gone up too.
“We normally review the tariff annually, but it was decided for there not to be an increase last year, so this is a 5% increase over two years.”
The changes mean that the first mile travelled on the day rate would be £4.20, the current rate is £4. The first mile on the night rate, bank holiday and weekend would be £6.30, the current rate is £6.
The tariff increase was proposed by members of the taxi trade at an annual taxi trade meeting on September 10.
For journeys which end outside the Hart District Council boundary area, the driver may agree before the hiring an agreed fare with the hirer, as opposed to the metered tariff fare.
If this is not the case then the driver is bound to charge not more than the fare shown on the meter. If this provision is not complied with it is an offence.
The driver may however charge less than that which is shown on the meter for any journey within or outside the district.
The National Taxi Association is recognised by statutory authorities as a body that is consulted on all aspects of taxi legislation in England and Wales.
Dennis Conyon, south east director for the association, said: “Fares are negotiated locally as are license requirements, but it is based upon inflation which is normally 3%.
“Unless there are special circumstances, most local authorities will follow that.
“With cars being dearer to buy, the cost of living, garage repair bills and fuel costs all going up, taxi fares have too increased.”
In Bracknell Forest, current taxi fares start at £3 for the first 640m, which is less than half a mile and £4.50 for premium hours.
In Surrey Heath, current taxi fares start at £3.60 for just under one mile and £4 for premium hours but there is a double rate for Christmas and New Year.
If there are no objections from members of the public, the tariff increase will be implemented on December 5.
source:
http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/loca ... rt-6284647
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