TAXI fares in Darlington are set to increase – with the cost of a two-mile journey in the day rising by 50p.

It would mean taxi rides in the borough would become one of the highest in the region, second only to Durham.

People have 14 days to respond with any comments to Darlington Borough Council.

The increase will see the average cost of a daytime, two-mile journey rise from £5.80 to £6.30, while the night-time rate will remain at £7.40.

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At Christmas and New Year the rate will rise from £9 to £9.50.

Councillor Brian Jones, chairman of the licensing committee, said: “When making this decision, the committee had to consider a balance between allowing licensed drivers to make a reasonable income, while representing value for money for the travelling public.”

The last time there was an increase in hackney carriage tariffs was 2012.

According to Taxi trade magazine, the cost of a two mile hackney taxi fare is the highest in the region in Durham, where it is £6.50 and lowest in Middlesbrough, where it is £4.30.

A total of 44 of the borough’s 117 taxi drivers responded to the council, with 31 in favour of some sort of increase and 13 preferring to keep the tariff unchanged.

The option chosen was the most popular – gaining the support of 15 of those who responded.

The letter sent to taxi drivers last year said: "When deliberating a new tariff, the licensing committee must consider the impact of any increase, as it needs to reflect a balance between allowing licensed drivers to generate a reasonable income, whilst representing value for money for the travelling public."

The pandemic has resulted in changes to the industry, with many drivers choosing alternative employment, leading to shortages of drivers at peak times and uncertainty. 

The proposed increase in taxi fares only applies to hackney carriages as licensing authorities have no power to set fares for private hire vehicles.

For more information, and to view a copy of the public notice online, visit www.darlington.gov.uk/licensing

Anyone with any comments can email licensing@darlington.gov.uk

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