Taxi Driver Online

These fees certainly aren't cheap, but the rises in the round don't seem that significant in the current climate (as a quick look at the linked document maybe demonstrates) therefore maybe this is all a bit overdone, and maybe not a hill to die on

Spot the deliberate mistake in the second paragraph, though


Portsmouth taxis: Taxi and Uber fees to increase with drivers unhappy they are getting nothing in return

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/polit ... rn-4425154

Taxi and private hire drivers in Portsmouth are upset after the city council voted to increase fees for taxis, with an Uber representative saying they “get nothing in return” from the city.

In a recent council meeting, increases in fees and charges were discussed as a way to cover a budget shortfall in the licensing department. Instead of using taxpayer money, the new payments to cover the deficit will be imposed on taxi operators and drivers. Among the rises, the price for granting or renewing a private hire vehicle licence, for three years, will go up from £290 to £336. A full list of the new fees and charges can be viewed here.

Speaking to the chamber, Peter Sutherland, an elected representative for local Uber drivers says there is “great unhappiness” amongst colleagues. “Just from general feedback in the last few days from my colleagues, there is great unhappiness, and a lot of talk about licensing elsewhere and I urge you all to consider these matters when looking to approve or disapprove a fee increase,” he said. “We get nothing in return from this city – we just get an increase in fees.”

Sutherland also raised concerns about taxis licensed in other areas, especially Wolverhampton, still operating in the city. He estimated that 50-60 taxis from Wolverhampton are currently working in Portsmouth. The popularity of Wolverhampton’s licensing department has grown by taxi drivers looking for a cheap and quick application process.

Licensing manager Nickii Humphreys responded, saying the city is not close to a “tipping point” regarding vehicles being licensed elsewhere, with 981 currently licensed by Portsmouth City Council. “Unfortunately it will only be through national legislative change that we’ll see the situation be challenged,” she added.

Councillor George Madgwick expressed disappointment at the increased fees and suggested compensatory measures like free parking for Portsmouth licence holders or access to bus lanes. He added: “I understand there’ll be a budget deficit, I do always struggle when people say it shouldn’t be funded by council taxpayers when our buses are – and everyone says that’s an amazing thing.”

The chairman of the committee, Cllr Jason Fazackarley said he will organise an informal meeting between himself and taxi drivers/representatives to address any concerns.

*Badge*, of course - don't think you get three-year plates in England?

Amazed they get away with a single fee for private hire operators, though, regardless of size. I mean, there can't be many one-man bands willing to pay nearly £4k for a five year licence

No one likes fee increases, but stuff needs to be paid for.

The Uber rep is playing to an audience about what they get in return, what they get is a f***ing livelihood.

Of course, maybe the likes of me would be a bit more sympathetic if Portsmouth Uber's stayed in Portsmouth, even stayed in Hampshire, rather than driving around the streets like headless chickens in B&H.

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