Taxi Driver Online

Huge increase in taxi operator fees in Kirklees

TAXI bosses have been hit by a seven-fold increase in the cost of their licences. Kirklees Council’s cabinet approved a series of inflation-busting price hikes yesterday.

Operator licences for firms with more than three cars will rise from £53 to £380. Smaller cab companies will see their licences increase from £53 to £110.

Drivers will also be hit, with the cost of renewing a taxi licence rising 62% from £37 to £60. A new driver’s licence will go up from £65 to £85. A council officers’ report to cabinet says the price hike was necessary to bring Kirklees in line with the rest of West Yorkshire.

The new operator’s fee of £380 in Kirklees compares with £108 in Calderdale, £461 in Leeds, £212 in Wakefield and £100 in Bradford. The new driver’s renewal fee of £60 in Kirklees compares with £84 in Calderdale, £59 in Leeds, £72 in Wakefield and £60 in Bradford.

The report warns: “Should Kirklees decide to maintain charges at a significantly lower level to those of neighbouring authorities, Kirklees may become saturated with new applications.”

The report goes on to say that a large increase in the number of taxis in Kirklees could lead to more illegal plying for trade, a fall in drivers’ income, more congestion in town centres, parking and noise problems and increased crime and disorder within the taxi trade. The report adds: “Disproportionate increases in fees, particularly during a period of economic downturn, may cause anxiety within the taxi trade.”

The cabinet also decided to increase the licence charge for sex establishments from £1,751 to £2,500. This compares with £2,283 in Calderdale, £8,098 in Leeds, £2,698 in Wakefield and £5,658 in Bradford. Licenses for alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment will not increase, as these rates are set by central government.

Cabinet member for regeneration Clr David Sheard proposed the price rises at yesterday’s meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall. The Heckmondwike Labour man also raised concerns about taxi telephone operators at the meeting.

He said: “Every taxi driver has to have a criminal record check every two years, but the people taking the phone calls don’t have to be checked. “That’s the person you’re going to tell that your house will be empty because you’re going on holiday for a few weeks.”

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