Maximum taxi fares across Argyll and Bute are set to rise by 5%, after councillors voted through the increase despite receiving just one response to a consultation with local operators.
The change was approved unanimously at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, 19 August. Under the new scale, hires between 7am and 10pm will carry a maximum starting price of £3.99, rising by 26p for every 176 yards travelled after the first 860 yards. Night hires, between 10pm and 7am, will start at £4.78 with an additional 26p per 150 yards after the first 860 yards, while public holiday journeys will have a maximum starting price of £5.58, adding 26p per 120 yards beyond the initial 860.
Fares in the area are required to be reviewed every 18 months, and the new scale is due to come into force on Thursday, 22 October.
The single representation received during the consultation period, from an operator, was critical of the proposed increase. Councillor Kieron Green told the meeting: “I note that there is one representation and to me, it does not really have a clear view. In my mind, that suggests that the proposed five per cent increase is largely supported and I propose we go ahead with it.” Councillor Jan Brown backed the view, adding she was “very disappointed” this wasn’t the first time such a low response had been received on a fare consultation, but agreed with the 5% rise.
For drivers working the region, the increase gives some breathing room against rising running costs, though the low consultation turnout is likely to raise questions locally about how well fare reviews are reaching the wider trade.
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