Taxi fares in Copeland are set to rise for the first time in nine years as cabbies grapple with the cost of living crisis.
The borough council has agreed to review the charges for Hackney carriages after trade representatives made their case.
They said fuel and maintenance cost increases and the general rise in the cost of living meant it was time the fares were reviewed.
The changes being proposed are to:
- increase the minimum fare charge from £3 to £4.
- increase the minimum fare charge over the Christmas (6pm December 24 to 6am December 27) and new year (6pm December 31 to 6am January 2) period from £5.60 to £6.60.
- increase subsequent mileage charges by ten per cent (excluding the Christmas and new year period outlined above).
- increase the waiting charge by 10 per cent.
- increase the soilage charge from £75 to £100 maximum.
- remove a 50 per cent surcharge on the Friday before Christmas.
The current table of fares was last reviewed in 2013 due to a significant increase in fuel prices at the time.
The council does not receive any of the income from local taxi services, but is responsible for setting out the maximum fares that operators can charge for licenced vehicles in the borough.
The table of fares applies only to Hackney carriage vehicles – taxis that are hailed in the street.
Private hire operators are able to agree their hiring charges in advance with their customers at the time of booking the journey.
Anyone who wishes to object to the proposals should email Licensing@copeland.gov.uk or write to the following address, by July 8, 2022: Licensing, Copeland Borough Council, Whitehaven Commercial Park, Moresby Parks, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 8YD.
