The brakes have been put on a controversial increase in taxi fees on the Isle of Wight, after objections.
The decision will now be made by leading cabinet members later this year, which means prices will not go up at the start of May.
First significant rise in six years
Most charges have not risen since 2014 and the planned rise was described as ‘significant’.
In March, the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of the price hike, which would see a £1.10 increase on a two-mile journey, charged on the lowest tariff.
The Island’s taxi trade has been supportive of the increase, due to rising running costs.
Peace: Fares ‘already ridiculously high’
Concerns had been raised by council officers, however, that passengers may not support the move. Committee member Cllr Gary Peace told the March meeting the charges were ‘already ridiculously high’.
A public consultation closed at the end of March and without ‘valid objections’, the increase would have taken effect from 1st May.
Cabinet decision
Now, the council’s cabinet members will meet on 12th May, to decide whether the increase in fees will go ahead for hackney carriages.
More information about the consultation responses will be published in cabinet papers ahead of the meeting, on 4th May.
The Isle of Wight Council did not wish to comment at this time.
What are the changes?
- The initial ‘flag drop’, or hire fee also covering the first half a mile of the journey, increases by 50p
- Each quarter mile, after the flag drop, increases between 10p and 50p depending on the tariff
- The taxi waiting time during a trip increases between 20p and 70p a minute depending on the tariff
- Sundays would be charged at the same rate as bank and public holidays becoming more expensive, moving into tariff two
- The cost for transporting animals doubles from 50p to £1 per animal
- ‘Soiling charge’ increases to £100, from £70
- Tariff hours – travel will cost more from 8pm through to 6am when the higher tariff used to start at 10pm.
The fares set are the maximum amount drivers can charge, so some companies could charge less.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
