Taxi drivers told: You can charge more (From Thurrock Gazette)

Taxi drivers told: You can charge more

8:00am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

THE borough’s taxi drivers have been given permission to increase their fares by Thurrock Council’s licensing committee.

The move comes after two of Thurrock’s three taxi trade associations asked for the rise, which will come into effect from November 1.

Drivers will be able to charge 50p more on the basic tariff, an increase the council claims is reasonable.

It applies to the 98 hackney carriage taxis in the borough that have roof lights and yellow license plates that can be hailed from the pavement or from a rank. It does not apply to private hire vehicles.

There will also be no rise on the cost of journeys between 11pm and 7am Monday to Saturday, all day Sunday and most bank holidays.

Speaking after the meeting, committee chairman Cllr Mike Stone said: “This seems fair enough after a four-year wait and the increasing costs of running a vehicle, plus we increased licensing fees last year.

“The rise is quite reasonable, 50p on the basic, initial charge or tariff and no rise after that. There is a separate rate that can be applied when five or more passengers are being carried.”

He added: “These are maximum charges and must be shown on the meter, but there is nothing stopping taxi drivers from charging less, or asking for a fare below that shown.”