Taxi drivers slam increase in licence fees

Taxi drivers have criticised Spelthorne Borough Council's plans to increase licence fees

Taxi drivers say they have been "neglected" and "taken for granted" by a Surrey council after it voted to increase their operating costs.

Spelthorne Borough Council says the 5% hike to taxi licences will prevent taxpayers having to subsidise the service.

Private drivers' fees will increase by £16 while taxi companies' one-year operating fees will increase by £17 from 1 April.

Taxi fares per mile are set by the council but have not changed since 2015.

Jon Barlow of BlueStar Taxis says there is "no security" for drivers who are already out of pocket from changing vehicles to avoid extra ULEZ charges.

Taxi fares have not risen in line with 2024’s level of inflation, representing a 31% drop in value. the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

A review of fares failed to go ahead due to staff absences and vacancies, the council said.

The licensing committee also agreed to review rules to replace cars when they reach 10 years old after drivers said it would be expensive and restrict business.

Drivers’ comments received during the consultation labelled the price hikes as "an abuse of common sense" and "unfair".

Licence holders criticised the limited taxi ranks available in the borough, as well as the "poor" condition of faded markings causing confusion with other drivers.