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24
Jun
Harrogate taxi firm owner criticises fare survey as ‘pointless exercise’
A Harrogate taxi firm owner has criticised a council survey over fares as a “pointless exercise”.
Last week, North Yorkshire Council launched a six-week consultation over how high fares should be allowed to be increased to.
The council sets the maximum fares for taxis across North Yorkshire, and these are reviewed regularly to ensure that drivers are fairly rewarded, and to also ensure that members of the public are not deterred from using taxis.
However, Kevin O’Boyle, who owns Central Radio Cars, said the survey was “flawed” and had not supplied the correct information.
In a letter to Gareth Bentley, head of licensing at North Yorkshire Council, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, Mr O’Boyle said the survey did not mention areas such as the increase in the National Minimum Wage and the introduction of electric vehicles.
He added that the survey also did not include the results of the adopted formula used to work out fare increases.
Mr O'Boyle said:
Because of these facts, I feel that this survey is a pointless exercise. What does concern me is that the cabinet member, who is ultimately responsible for the increase, has not been given all the facts to make a balanced decision. This could also be the case with the licensing committee, as it has become practice for the cabinet member to seek a recommendation from the committee.
The Stray Ferret put Mr O’Boyle’s concerns to North Yorkshire Council.
A spokesperson for the authority said views over the maximum hackney carriage fare should be shared through the survey.
The fares being consulted on are the maximum a driver can charge. They can charge a lower fare should they wish to do so.
They are also not applicable to private hire vehicles – in other words, 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.
The survey is set to run until Monday, July 28. It can be filled in here.
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