Cab fares set to rise after request from drivers

Drivers requested an increase to starting charges after increases in petrol and vehicle maintenance costs, the council said

Fares in black cabs licensed by Stafford Borough Council are set to increase - with the maximum charge for a two-mile journey possibly becoming the steepest in the county.

The most a passenger has to pay for two miles currently is £6.50; the fourth cheapest fare of its type set by licensing authorities in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton.

But an increase - proposed by drivers - to £7.40 would make it the most pricey maximum fare for two miles among the 10 council areas.

Drivers have cited rising costs as the need to charge more, with the council saying revisions could come into effect "as soon as possible" subject to objections.

Tariffs vary for black cabs licensed in Stafford borough according to the amount of passengers, and the times of the day in which a journey takes place.

Under proposals, a 90p increase would apply to the current £3.10 starting rate - turning on the engine and the first 0.2 miles (0.3km) - in vehicles carrying up to four people.

Other starting-rate tariffs that cover a greater number of passengers, and journeys in the early hours and holidays, would also rise.

Increased costs

Hackney carriages must not charge a fare higher than those set by the council. Stafford Borough Council deputy leader Rob Kenney said fares were last set in 2022.

"Since then there has been a significant and sustained increase in the price of fuel, cost of vehicles and operational costs, such as insurance and maintenance," he said.

He confirmed the trade had approached the council to propose the fare increase.

The cheapest two-mile taxi journey is in the Staffordshire Moorlands where the fare is £5.20, with the last increase coming in 2015.

The most expensive area in Staffordshire for a two-mile taxi journey is currently Tamworth, with a £7.14 fare set in 2022.

There were currently 57 licensed Hackney Carriages in Stafford borough, according to the authority, and 95 private hire vehicles.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.