Published: 22/06/2022
COPELAND Council is currently reviewing the maximum charges for Hackney carriages in the area.
The current table of fares was last reviewed in 2013 due to a significant increase in fuel prices at the time.
As a result of the recent rise in the cost of living, and fuel and maintenance cost increases, trade representatives have asked the Council to review the current charges - which haven’t increased in the last nine years.
The current charges are the lowest in the county and some of the lowest in the country, with three other Cumbrian authorities increasing charges last year, and the remaining two currently reviewing their table of fares.
The changes being proposed are to:
- increase the minimum fare charge from £3 to £4.
- increase the minimum fare charge over the Christmas (6pm December 24 to 6am December 27) and new year (6pm December 31 to 6am January 2) period from £5.60 to £6.60.
- increase subsequent milage charges by ten per cent (excluding the Christmas and new year period outlined above).
- increase the waiting charge by 10 per cent.
- increase the soilage charge from £75 to £100 maximum.
- remove a fifty percent surcharge on the Friday before Christmas.
Although the Council doesn’t receive any of the income from local taxi services, - it is responsible for setting out the maximum fares that operators can charge for licenced vehicles in the borough.
The table of fares applies only to Hackney carriage vehicles – taxis that are hailed in the street. Private hire operators are able to agree their hiring charges in advance with their customers at the time of booking the journey.
Further information can be found at www.copeland.gov.uk/consultations
Anyone who wishes to object to the proposals should email Licensing@copeland.gov.uk or write to the following address, by July 8, 2022: Licensing, Copeland Borough Council, Whitehaven Commercial Park, Moresby Parks, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 8YD.
