Winchester civic chiefs reject taxi fare rises
Winchester licensing bosses have rebuffed taxi drivers’ efforts to increase fares.
City councillors decided against increasing the fares for hackney carriages which has remained static since March 2008.
The drivers argued that their costs such as fuel, servicing, and insurance have all increased at the same time as the trade has declined.
A petition of 48 hackney and private hire drivers was presented to the council.
Not every Winchester driver agreed. John Boardman, of Fairdown Close, said putting up fares would discourage the public from using taxis.
Mr Boardman said some drivers were offering discounts to Heathrow, from £120 to £65-70 and to Gatwick from £140 to £85-90. He said, in a letter to the council: “If drivers need a fare increase how can they afford to give such a large discount?”
Mr Boardman added: “Many drivers are refusing certain jobs, or tactfully avoiding some jobs. Surely, if there is such a strong need for a fare increase they would not be able to refuse work?”
The licensing committee opted to keep charges at £2.40p for the first 660 yards, with 20p for every 180 yards. It means a mile would cost £3.80; two miles, £5.60; three. £7.60; five, £11.60 and ten, £21.40.
But it did agree to look again at the charges in six months.
However it did increase the fouling charge from £40 to £75
http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/new ... are_rises/
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