Taxi fares set to rise in the Highlands
A controversial taxi fare hike in the Highlands has been imposed by licensing chiefs – despite some drivers demanding the brakes were put on the move.
Passengers will have to fork out an extra 30p, regardless of the distance travelled, when they are first picked up by taxis in the "flag fall" – the initial amount on the meter.
It is currently £2.50, £3 and £3.60 for weekdays, nights and weekends and festive holidays, respectively.
The new rate agreed at the latest Highland Licensing Committee will come into effect from 26th May.
An increase in the cost of outward journeys for hires starting three miles or more away from the taxi or its home base - whichever is the nearest - was also ratified. It will go up from £6.50 to a maximum of £7.50.
More than 40 hard-pressed taxi drivers in Lochaber had objected to the price increase and called for drivers in rural locations to be licenced separately from Inverness.
They said they were struggling to attract passengers and warned the fare hike was not in their interest.
But committee convener Maxine Smith said the Lochaber drivers had the flexibility to offer a cheaper rate to passengers if they wanted too.
Taxi operators can charge any fare, provided it does not exceed the maximum provided for in the tariff.
The Inverness Taxi Alliance had suggested a revised tariff in line with that charged by Perth and Kinross Council, which comprised of various increases to the meter, but Councillor Smith said it wanted to limit price increases because the economic climate was still challenging.
"There has been a lot of press coverage and a representation from Lochaber taxis who feel they don’t want an increase at all," said Councillor Smith. "I think it is reasonable given that there are still some austerity measures and this is not as expensive for the public as suggested by the Inverness Taxi Alliance. Lochaber can do what they want to make it more palatable to their customers."
Committee member and Lochaber councillor Allan Henderson said he had "no problem" with the fare change because there was scope for drivers in his area to charge less.
The fare increases are the first in 18 months.
The committee had insisted it had considered the costs of operating taxis like fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Top Stories
-
WATCH: Air Force One with Donald Trump on-board flies over strath
-
Who are the famous new operators of Cairngorms ex-military retreat?
-
Highland League president confirms how League Two play-offs will change next season
-
Grantown pensioner’s warning after losing three-figure sum in Amazon gift card scam
There are currently 786 licensed taxi drivers in the region.
Meanwhile, a small working group, comprising of senior committee members, was set up to hold regular meetings with taxi groups to debate issues, like pricing in the future.