Taxi fares could increase as price hike proposals go to consultation

North Ayrshire Council met with drivers to discuss their thoughts on the annual review of fares.

Taxi fares in North Ayrshire could be increased as proposals for price hike go to consultation iStock

Taxi fares could be set for a hike of more than 10% in North Ayrshire, with the cost of living crisis increasing fuel costs for cabbies.

North Ayrshire Council Licensing Committee recently met with drivers to discuss their thoughts on the annual review of fares.

The new proposals agreed on Wednesday would see the tariffs increase from £3.20 for the first three quarters of a mile up until midnight to £3.50 and from £3.50 for the first three quarters of a mile to £4 after midnight.

Licensing Committee chair Eleanor Collier said: “This (the proposed increases) gives them a more suitable recompense for their efforts in the night time. 

“The proposal will now go out for public consultation and come back to the committee in October.”

Most drivers spoken to by the Licensing Committee supported a rise.

Robert Chalmers said there needed to be a rise and added: “When, if not now.”

Gerry Taylor said there had to be a rise ASAP. The cost of everything had gone up.

Hugh O’Neill said there had to be an increase as in East Ayrshire.

William Taylor claimed there had been a 20% increase in fuel cost in a year.

The proposals now go to a public consultation via the North Ayrshire Council website, giving taxi drivers the chance to respond further.

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