Plans to increase taxi fares in South Lakeland for the first time in almost seven years have been proposed.
The 5.4 per cent hike for the maximum hackney carriage fares are set to come into effect later this year – and the district oouncil is asking for people’s opinions.
South Lakeland District Council’s licensing regulatory committee voted on Monday to raise the maximum fare.
A 14-day consultation begins today.
If no objections are received, the changes will take effect at midnight on March 11.
If objections are lodged, then the matter must be returned for the committee’s consideration.
Committee members heard that the hackney fare table was last put before committee in June 2016 and the decision was taken not to make an increase to the tariff.
Requests to review the table of fares were received in 2020, however this process was deferred at the time due to the council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
A total of 274 hackney carriage drivers were surveyed, with 51 replies, representing 18.6 per cent of the drivers contacted.
The committee was told that the tariff should be regarded as the maximum fares that can be charged.
Taxi owners are not tied to charging the maximum fare, but are not permitted to charge more than the tariff price shown on the meter.
Any comments on the proposed changes should be made in writing no later than 11.59pm on February 10 to the Licensing Department email address at Licensing@southlakeland.gov.uk, or in writing to Licensing Department, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal LA9 4DQ.
