Maximum taxi fares to be reviewed by North Yorkshire Council

The review will take place in North Yorkshire, where councillors aim to ensure the fares remain fair for both passengers and drivers.

The review process is part of North Yorkshire Council’s responsibility to set limits that balance affordability with a sustainable income for taxi operators.

Richard Foster, executive member for licensing at North Yorkshire Council, said: "When setting the maximum fares for taxis, we must be mindful of setting a price that is acceptable to the customer as well as the trade.

"If we set fares too high, customers may choose not to use them or use alternative providers.

"Similarly, if they are too low, then the trade cannot afford to make a living and may leave the profession.

"Of course, the fares are also the maximum a driver can charge, and they can charge a lower fare should they wish to do so."

Taxi fares are reviewed regularly to ensure drivers are fairly compensated and that the public is not discouraged from using the service.

The council also takes into account the needs of older people and those with disabilities, who often rely on taxis for essential travel such as medical appointments or school journeys.

On Tuesday, September 16, executive members will consider whether to propose changes to the current tariff structure.

If new tariffs are suggested, they will be subject to public consultation before a final decision is made.

A six-week consultation was held over the summer, attracting around 300 responses.

When asked about the current maximum daytime fare for a three-mile journey, 97 per cent of residents, visitors, and businesses—and 70 per cent of the taxi trade—said the fare was either much too high, somewhat high, or about right.

Similarly, residents, visitors or businesses believed the same with the nighttime tariff (96 per cent) and the festive period tariff (92 per cent), with 75 per cent of the trade on both counts.

The council acknowledges that drivers should be compensated for providing this service, with many working unsociable hours, especially over the festive period.

Concerns were raised about the increasing costs of running a taxi and the general rise in the cost of living.

The current fare structure is based on distance and waiting time, starting with an initial ‘flag fall’ followed by charges for distance travelled and minutes waited.

These regulated fares apply only to taxis hailed on the street or at ranks, not to private hire vehicles booked in advance.

Private hire fares are set by individual operators, and passengers are advised to agree on the fare before starting their journey.