Councillors are set to consider changing the maximum charges for taking a taxi in North Yorkshire to ensure they are fair to customers and drivers.
North Yorkshire Council sets the limit for taxi fares and aims to strike a balance between setting a price that is reasonable to the public and the trade.
Fares are reviewed regularly to ensure drivers are fairly rewarded for their work, and that members of the public are not deterred from using taxis in their area.
Older people often rely on taxis to attend doctors and hospital appointments, and many people with disabilities use them to travel to school. Therefore, the impact of fares needs to be carefully considered.
The council’s executive members will be asked to consider whether to propose amended tariffs at a meeting on Tuesday (16th September).
Proposed new tariffs would then be consulted upon before a final decision is made.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for licensing, Cllr Richard Foster, said:
“When setting the maximum fares for taxis, we must be mindful of setting a price that is acceptable to the customer as well as the trade.
“If we set fares too high, customers may choose not to use them or use alternative providers. Similarly, if they are too low then the trade cannot afford to make a living and may leave the profession.
“Of course, the fares are also the maximum a driver can charge, and they can charge a lower fare should they wish to do so.”
A consultation took place for six weeks this summer and about 300 people responded.
When asked about the current maximum fare for a three-mile journey during the day, 97 per cent of residents, visitors or businesses, and 70 per cent of the trade felt that fares were currently much too high, somewhat high or about right.
Similarly, residents, visitors or businesses believed the same with the nighttime tariff (96 per cent) and the festive period tariff (92 per cent), with 75 per cent of the trade on both counts.
However, the council acknowledges that drivers should be compensated for providing this service, with many working unsociable hours, especially over the festive period.
There were also concerns that the cost of running a taxi has increased significantly over the years, as has the cost of living.
The fares are based on distance and waiting time, with an initial flag fall charge followed by charges per distance and per minute of waiting time.
They are also not applicable to private hire vehicles, meaning those vehicles booked in advance, as these are set by the operator rather than the licensing authority.
Passengers are urged to agree the fare before travelling.
Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event
