Plans to revise the maximum cost of taking a taxi in North Yorkshire are set to be considered in response to calls from the trade.
There has been a steady increase in fuel prices following the start of the war in the Middle East and there is currently no prospect of them decreasing.
Since the current maximum fares were introduced in July 2024, the price of petrol has increased by 17.58 per cent, with diesel increasing by 42.26 per cent.
On Tuesday, (12th May), North Yorkshire Council’s executive members will be asked to approve a five per cent increase in maximum fares.
Under the plans, between 7am and 10pm, there would be an increase from £2.22 to £2.33 per mile, and £20.23 to £21.24 per hour waiting time.
The cost of taking a taxi between 10pm and 7am, including public holidays, would increase from £3.15 to £3.31 per mile, and £28.90 to £30.35 per hour waiting time.
During the Christmas and New Year period, there would be an increase from £4.20 to £4.41 per mile, and £38.54 to £40.47 per hour waiting time.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for licensing, Cllr Richard Foster, said:
“We carry out regular reviews of taxi fares to incentivise those working in the trade.
“The sector provides a vital boost to the economy, and is key for protecting our communities, whether it be taking children to school or transporting residents or visitors to their destination at night safely.
“As a licensing authority, we set maximum fares to provide certainty, consistency and protection from unfair or unreasonable charges.
“We appreciate that people may face a higher cost of taking a taxi, but we need to factor in the increase in the price of fuel since the charges were last changed two years ago.”
The revised costs only apply to hackney carriage vehicles which can be hailed by passengers on the roadside, stand on a rank, or be pre-booked.
In contrast, private hire vehicles can only operate through pre-booking, setting their own fares so customers are encouraged to agree a price before their journey.
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