Members received and considered the Licensing and Elections managers report which reminded Members of a request that had been received form a local taxi firm proposing revisions to the hackney carriage fare tariff, of which was considered at the Committee meeting held on the 13 July 2022.
A varied table of fares was agreed by members at the committee meeting and then formally
advertised in the local press. In addition a copy of the varied table of fares was made available for public inspection at the Town Hall and on the council’s website during the consultation period.
The formal consultation period was from 22 July until 8 August 2022. 14 responses were received during this time. It was noted that the objections to the varied table of fares have not been withdrawn and the main concerns related to the initial starting price and the impact this would have on customers wanting smaller length journeys. As a result of the concerns raised the varied table of fares was revisited.
The Licensing and Elections manager reported that following the formal advertising process and subsequent objections received, Members were being asked to consider approval or amendment of the revised hackney carriage fare tariff.
It was reported that discussions were held with officers and several representatives of the taxi trade, including the initial proposer and meter agents to discuss the concerns. At this meeting an amended table of fares was discussed. The amended table removes the starting rate from £5 to £2.80 on Tariff 1. £6 to £3.20 on Tariff 2 and £8 to £4.60 on the Christmas and New Year tariff.
During these discussions it was felt that because the initial starting price had been reduced,
then the Sunday rate would need to be re-implemented and this would start at £3.00, this
charge being in between the day and night rates.
Members received a copy of the amended tariff, together with example costs to the public.
It was noted that under s65(4) of the 1976 Act, as objections had been made and not withdrawn, the council was obliged to set a date on which the varied table of fares shall come into force with or without modifications. These modifications, if any, are decided by the council after consideration of the objections. There is no limitation given in the statute as to the modifications which can be made.
Councillor Wells proposed that a review of the fares be undertaken in 2 years time to ensure fares are kept up to date. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Annison
Members were asked to consider if minded to approve the Licensing and Elections Managers report that the table of fares takes effect from 7th October 2022.
RESOLVED :
That the Committee
(1) Approve the implementation of the modified table of fares detailed within Appendix 4 of the Licensing and Elections Managers report to take effect from the 7th October 2022.
(2) Agree that the First Class Hackney Carriage Fares are reviewed in 2 years time