Taxi fares go up (From Northwich Guardian)

Driver says increase will affect firms

12:40pm Sunday 8th August 2010 in News

AN INCREASE in Hackney cab fares in the former Vale Royal area will bring higher costs to taxi firms, according to a Northwich driver.

The new fares came into force yesterday after Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive gave the go-ahead following a recommendation from the licensing committee,.

The council received 50 objections to the increase – 19 from licensed drivers and 31 from residents in the area.

The move means taxi passengers in Northwich and Winsford will be charged an extra 20 pence on the basic charge ‘flag tariff’, rising from £2.30 to £2.50, and an additional 15 pence on the second tariff, which has risen to £3.60 and starts at 11pm each night.

John Woodward, 38, a driver for JJ’s Taxis, based on Burnside Way, Winnington, said the move would also come at a cost for drivers, due to the cost of changing the meters in line with the new charges.

“Luckily, I have only got a couple of meters, but I have to do 125 fares before I get back my money, and before I see the benefits,” he said.

“Personally, I don’t think it’s going to make a difference to the customers.

“Originally, the council was on about raising the flag tariff to £3 – I think that would have affected us – but the next thing we hear is they are bringing it to £2.50.

“I never had a lot to say about it at the time. Obviously an increase is good in one way, but you have got to temper it with how your customers feel.”

John feels that Christmas party-goers will feel the pinch because of the increases in the tariff and duration of peak periods.

The tariff for the former Vale Royal area was last increased in November 2008, and the new rise comes after a request from drivers in the Cheshire West and Chester area, in September last year.

The request was based on the argument that costs had risen due to the formation of the new council in April 2009.

For more information contact the licensing team on 01606 875616 or email licensing@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.