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Posted on the 11th March 2025 in PHTM News
LEWES TAXI DRIVERS FACE DEVASTATING COST INCREASES AS COUNCIL HIKES FEES BY 60 PER CENT
Lewes District Council has caused controversy after voting to increase taxi licensing fees by a staggering 60%, a move a local councillor warns will cripple the trade.
The decision, made at a full council meeting on 4 March, will see the cost of a three-year hackney carriage/private hire/dual driver’s licence rise to £472.50 (from £315) sparking outrage among drivers already burdened by rising costs.
An annual hackney/private hire vehicle licence will cost £308 (from £205), while fees for various tests will also increase drastically.
Independent Councillor Sean MacLeod of Newhaven North condemned the hike, highlighting a 110% increase in fees over the past six years. "It’s staggering considering that we have asked taxis to install CCTV and there are so many things they have to spend money on," he stated.
"We’re hammering them but they’re getting nothing back. Licensing is increasing but meters have only gone up once in that time."
MacLeod further lamented the growing disconnect between the council and taxi drivers, citing the removal of a direct phone line to licensing officers. "I think there is a growing sense of disenfranchisement," he said.
He also pointed to the decline of the hackney fleet, now numbering just 89 drivers, compared to the influx of private hire drivers, primarily due to services such as Uber.
"Four taxi drivers have already told me they are going to call it a day following the increase. It is just absolutely killing the trade," MacLeod warned.
The council, however, defended its decision, with Councillor Roy Clay, speaking on behalf of the licensing committee, emphasising public safety.
"Our main priority is not just covering the cost of administration with these fees, but the main priority is the safety of our public," Clay asserted.
"They go to extraordinary lengths and spend a hell of a lot of time putting in work that’s not really appreciated by the public." Clay also thanked officers for their "hard work" on the study.
MacLeod disputed the council's justification, particularly regarding CCTV. "The council doesn’t hold any data. The data is held by the company that installs the CCTV and the council approach them and ask if they need footage," he argued, undermining the claim that the fee increase was necessary for enhanced safety measures.
The motion passed with two abstentions.
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