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20
Sept
Council taxi fare decision will 'decimate' industry, says Ripon driver
A Ripon taxi driver has claimed North Yorkshire Council’s decision to reject increasing maximum fares will “decimate” the trade.
Senior councillors voted at an executive meeting on Tuesday to maintain current fare levels after a six-week consultation.
The move came despite taxi drivers calling for an increase in fares amid higher costs, such as minimum wage and national insurance contributions.
Now, Richard Fieldman, who operates a taxi in Ripon, has accused the authority of listening to a “minority of drivers” when arriving at its decision.
In an email to the council, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, he said:
The fact is, you have listened to the minority of drivers who clearly have no clue that making your own business unprofitable is not the way to prevent the public using Uber and as I stated in my statement to committee, none of us like anything going up in price no matter what it is - fact - but a large proportion of the trade needed an increase due to the rise in their expenses.
Mr Fieldman added:
You are decimating the local taxi trade, and this decision is another nail in the coffin. I hope you are proud of your decision as it will have a knock on effect.
His comments come as the council has maintained current maximum fares across North Yorkshire.
The council, which licenses hackney carriages, ran a six-week consultation on fares from June 16 and July 28.
A taxi rank on Harrogate's Station Parade.
Fares for hackney carriages, which can be hailed in the street, 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 not applicable to private hire vehicles, which are booked in advance, as these are set by the operator rather than the licensing authority.
But, Cllr Richard Foster, executive member for licensing, said the council had to be “mindful of setting a price that is acceptable to the customer as well as the trade”.
He told an meeting of the Conservative controlled executive on Tuesday (September 16) that all views had been considered when arriving at its decision.
Cllr Foster said:
It is worth noting that the maximum tariff sets an upper limit only. Drivers remain free to charge less if they wish, providing flexibility for operators to respond to local market conditions.
We are grateful for the constructive input from the trade and can confirm that all views have been carefully considered as part of this review.
How much are taxi fares?
These are the current rates, which the council has maintained.
Tariff 1 (Between 7am and 10pm)
Flag fall for the first 440 yards or part thereof: £4
Drop at 440 yards and every 158.56 yards or part thereof: 20p
Waiting time for each period of 35.59 seconds or part thereof: 20p
Tariff 2 (Between 10pm and 7am & Public holidays*)
Flag fall for the first 440 yards or part thereof: £6
Drop at 440 yards and every 167.62 yards or part thereof: 30p
Waiting time for each period of 37.36 seconds or part thereof: 30p
*All public holidays other than those listed in tariff 3, tariff 2 applies throughout the 24-hour period.
Tariff 3 (Christmas and New Year**)
Flag fall for the first 440 yards or part thereof: £8
Drop at 440 yards and every 167.62 or part thereof: 40p
Waiting time for each period of 37.36 seconds or part thereof: 40p
**From 6pm 24th December to 7am 27th December and 6pm 31st December to 7am 2nd January. £8.00 £0.40 £0.40
Fouling charge: maximum charge £100.00
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