Taxi fares set to rise in wake of Iran war

Plans to increase the maximum cost of taking a taxi in North Yorkshire are set to be considered, following calls from the trade.

The proposed changes come amid rising fuel prices, which have steadily increased since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.

North Yorkshire Council said since the current maximum fares were introduced in July 2024, petrol prices have risen by more than 17%, with diesel costs increasing by more than 42%.

Executive members will be asked to approve a 5% rise in maximum fares on 12 May.

Under the proposals, rates between 07:00 and 22:00 would rise from £2.22 to £2.33 per mile, while the hourly waiting time would increase from £20.23 to £21.24.

Night-time fares, which apply between 22:00 and 07:00 and on public holidays, would increase from £3.15 to £3.31 per mile, with waiting time rising from £28.90 to £30.35 per hour.

The council's executive member for licensing, Councillor Richard Foster, said: "The sector provides a vital boost to the economy and plays a key role in keeping communities safe.

"That includes taking children to school and ensuring residents and visitors can travel safely at night.

"As a licensing authority, setting maximum fares provides certainty, consistency and protection from unfair or unreasonable charges."

Foster said the authority recognised people could face higher costs, but said it had to "take into account the sharp rise in fuel prices since fares were last reviewed two years ago".

The revised costs would only apply to hackney carriage vehicles which can be hailed by passengers on the roadside, from a taxi rank or through pre-arranged bookings.

Private hire vehicles must be booked in advance and are not subject to maximum fares, meaning operators can set their own prices.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.