Hackney carriage fares are set to rise in Shropshire from September in response to requests from drivers struggling with the cost of living.
According to the Shropshire Star, Shropshire Council's licensing committee approved a formal consultation on a rise in the maximum fares with the consultation set to get underway on July 1.
The proposal would see incremental rate increases for most journeys, with the maximum rate drivers could charge during normal daytime hours (between 7am and 11pm) rising from £1.80 per mile to £2.
Nighttime rates would rise similarly, from the current rate of £2.80 to £3 per mile. Holiday rates, which apply over Christmas, New Year and Easter Sunday, would rise from £3.30 to £3.50 per mile.
The current rates for “flag down” and first mile would remain the same.
The rate card charges last increased in the county in October 2022.
“The proposed Hackney Carriage Table of Fares… is considered fair and reasonable when balanced with the rise in fuel prices and the cost of living,” council licensing manager, Mandy Beever, told the authority’s licensing committee.
“Consideration has been made for the impact any increase in hackney carriage fares may have on the travelling public for the same reasons it has on the hackney carriage proprietors themselves.
“To offset changes in the marketplace and for hackney carriage proprietors to retain their existing customer base they have the ability to charge up to the maximum amount on the hackney carriage fare card. This allows them to negotiate a reasonable price with their regular customers and retain their custom, whilst still enabling them to gain a margin of profit.
“The council set the tariff card and it’s the maximum fee that can be charged. Any negotiations can be had with members of the public with the drivers, as long as they don’t go over the fees on the tariff card,” she added.
The move follows a period of informal discussions with black cab operators in the area, the council says.
Subject to the consultation, the new fees will come into force on September 4.
If objections are received during the consultation period, the move will be delayed until the committee have considered the objections at their October meeting.
In a landmark decision, the GMB Union has passed Motion 239 during its recent Congress, signalling a proactive stance on improving working conditions.
This motion, which focuses on the use of bus lanes by private hire vehicles, underscores the union's commitment to fairness and efficiency in the workplace.
Ali Haydor, GMB National Representative, emphasised the significance of the motion, stating: "This is a crucial step in ensuring fairness for all workers and commuters.
"However, its implementation will be subject to local assessment to tailor solutions to specific communities."
Taxis brought traffic to a halt in Blackpool on Wednesday 12 June, in protest against what they say are illegal and unfair actions by Uber drivers operating in the town.
The Blackpool Gazette reports that drivers from established taxi firms, including C-Cabs, Premier Cabs and Blacktax, joined the protest accompanied by a large police presence which diverted traffic around the protest.
Talbot Road was at a standstill between 10am and 12pm as several vehicles parked across the carriageway, making it impossible for other drivers and public transport to pass.
However, one of the protesting cabbies told PHTM: "We didn't want to block the road, it was a peaceful protest until the police made us move on and caused the traffic jams and road closures."
Taxi firms say Uber drivers, who are not licensed to operate in Blackpool, are moving in from areas such as Blackburn, Preston and Bolton and even as far as Liverpool and Manchester.
The protesters say some of the Uber cars are being parked on taxi ranks,and there are also concerns over loss of income, DBS clearance and the condition of the cars.
After months of frustration cabbies say they have made their point and are calling for Blackpool Council to take action over the situation.
Colin Jones, a driver for Premier Cabs, said: “They are not licensed to operate here and they are taking work from us, which isn’t on.
“Some of them are even parking on the ranks, which they are not allowed to do. It isn’t about the cost of the fares, whether they are cheaper or not, it’s the principle of the thing.
“The rules we have to work with, in terms of DBS clearance and the condition of our cars, are stringent to say the least. Apart from the MOT, we also have to pass a pit test every year which is really strict. So we take two tests a year and our cars need to be immaculate. Do Uber drivers need to to do all that?
“It’s about a lot of things, including public safety, and we have had enough of it.
“We are calling on Blackpool Council, as the licensing authority, to do something to protect the local fleets which are part of the Blackpool economy.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Dee Grant, one of the directors at C Cabs.
She said: “It’s getting out of hand and something needs to be done. As much as anything, it’s a safeguarding issue.
“We had a meeting with Blackpool Council and they said there was nothing they could do because the Uber drivers were from outside Blackpool and beyond their jurisdiction.
“That’s too easy, we’d like to see them work with the police and stop them from coming here from all over Lancashire - it’s beyond a joke.
“If we have to operate under strict licences, the pay-off should be that we have protection from the local authorities.”
A Blackpool Council spokesman said: “Taxi operators have alerted us to instances of Uber drivers operating in Blackpool and their concerns around this.
"The safety of our residents and visitors is always our priority.
“Uber is not licensed by Blackpool Council currently. We are seeking legal opinion in relation to this matter, as we are conscious that the legal framework around taxi legislation is outdated and requires review.
“This is not a situation that is unique to Blackpool. We are speaking to the Local Government Association as well as our neighbouring authorities to ensure we deal with this robustly.”
Belfast is getting its first 'night tsar' in an effort to boost the night-time economy in the city centre.
Hospitality operator, Michael Stewart, has been appointed by three organisations set up to help develop the city's economy, Belfast One, Linen Quarter BID and Destination CQ.
BBC News reports that like many cities, central Belfast suffered a downtown during the Covid-19 pandemic. The businessman will be working with bars, clubs, transport operators, restaurants, police and volunteers.
The two-year honorary role is funded by Belfast's three business improvement districts and follows similar appointments in other cities such as London, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Mr Stewart, who has more than three decades of experience in the hospitality sector, said he took on the £12,000 per year role because he had a passion for the city.
However, he said he will have "no powers", and that the role will focus more on advocating and lobbying for change.
"I was Belfast Chamber president during the Covid years, I do this for the passion, not for the money. It's an advocacy role, the three key words are communicate, advocate and network." he said.
Mr Stewart added that one of his main priorities would be night-time transport.
Since the pandemic taxi companies have struggled to retain drivers. Stephen Anton, the manager of Fonacab, said any move to co-ordinate transport was a good thing.
"There are many factors that influence late night transport, we only play one small part of that," he added.
"The root problem is a lack of drivers, we just need more drivers to cope with high demand at all times.
"We would ask that people do not double or triple book taxis and waste journeys, Michael can advocate for things like that."
Mr Stewart said he would work with Fonacab and Valucab in lobbying the Department for Infrastructure for changes to legislation to support an increase in driver numbers.
Louise Hughes, who manages a city centre bar, said people tended not to stay after 11pm.
"The last bus is 23:00 and taxis are sparse, it would be fantastic if something was done to encourage people to stay out later.
"Even the staff don't want to stay to the end of the shift if they don't drive for fear of not getting a way home," she added.
"We would sometimes close early on a Friday because people have to leave on the last bus so the pub empties."
Student Jay Kennoway said he had to walk two hours to get home from a night out.
"Taxis are very expensive which would make you reconsider going on a night out," he added.
"It is great that someone is taking on a role to try and tackle transport issues in the Belfast area, I am 19 and I don't want my night out to end because I know I can't get home."
Kelly Craft from Moira said the availability of transport affects her night time social life.
"I would normally try get the last train or organise a lift with family or friends," she added.
"If this can help get people in and out of the city it will make a great impact, it will allow people to stay out later."
Mr Stewart added: "This role provides a unique platform working with key partners to address critical issues impacting our city centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant and dynamic destination after hours," he said.
On 4 June, London taxis drove; ten Normandy, two WWII, five post war and two Afghanistan veterans, and a team of volunteers, carers, companions and medics across to France for the D Day commemorations.
The five day itinerary included commemoration services at Pegasus Museum, Ranville Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and the village of Grangues, as well as visits to the Grand Bunker and Abbey aux Dames de Caen.
The trip was led by London cab driver and Taxi Charity Chairman Colin Mills who said: “What an honour to lead this group of veterans and volunteers as we came together to remember the events of 80 years ago. With us were veterans who had landed on the beaches, protected the channel, taught signalling to the troops and transmitted messages to the beaches, who enjoyed applause and thanks everywhere they went.
"We are proud to support veterans from all conflicts and joining the Normandy Veterans were those who had served after WWII in Korea and Kenya as well as younger vets who had served in Afghanistan.”
London Cab driver Daren Parr, who has rowed the Atlantic and climbed Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Taxi Charity said: “This was my first European trip with the charity and is something I will never forget, creating memories I will cherish forever.
"It was a real privilege being around these living legends. Getting to sit, talk and hear their stories was a real treat. I was hanging onto every word, asking questions and getting a unique insight into a big part of our history.”
WWII veteran Marie Scott, who transmitted messages to the beaches said: “What an amazing experience. I am fortunate to have travelled to Normandy on several occasions and always thoroughly enjoy my time away with this special charity but this really was the best time ever.
"The Charity has given me so many incredible experiences over the years, but on 5 June this year, I had the honour of speaking at the commemoration service at Pegasus Museum in front of fellow veterans from England Canada and America, as well as personnel representing all the services.”
Entrepreneur and Taxi Charity Ambassador, 29-year-old Johnny Gallagher, who recently raised £135,000 for the charity to take veterans to Europe for acts of commemoration said: “I am shocked to learn that less than half the youth of today know what D-day is.
"I am truly hoping that my actions will inspire change to the education system so that more young people can learn and understand the sacrifice these veterans made for our country.”
To find out more about the support the Taxi Charity offers to veterans, or to donate, please visit www.taxicharity.org
Ways of increasing the amount of wheelchair-accessible taxis across the city are set to be explored to make it easier for those who need one to get one.
Cumbrian taxi drivers are fighting back against proposed licensing changes they fear will cripple their livelihoods.
Bolton taxi drivers are urged to sign up for free safeguarding and disability awareness training before the deadline on October 31st, 2024.
A Conwy Council meeting on Monday revealed a critical failing that allowed a taxi driver whose license had been revoked to continue transporting children to school.
Worcester City Council is seeking public opinion on a proposal to make safeguarding training mandatory for taxi and private hire drivers.
A proposal to increase driver, vehicle and private hire operator licences was discussed on Friday 19 July 19 at Sheffield City Council’s waste and street scene committee.
Through this collaboration, FREENOW willl provide additional benefits giving drivers up to 25% off pay-as-you-go rates across the entire bp pulse electric charging network and discounted fuel at all UK bp branded sites.
Wakefield Licensing, working alongside West Yorks Police Roads Policing unit, NPT, Off-Road Bike Team, Police Intercept Team, DVLA & DVSA, held a Partnership Day of Action at Thornes Park.
A pilot emissions reduction grant scheme providing financial support for hackney carriage drivers to upgrade to cleaner EURO 6 and fully battery powered vehicles has been launched.
The ride-hailing giant has submitted an application for an operator licence to Darlington Borough Council, with a decision expected in August.
Darlington could soon see Uber cars on its streets after the ride-hailing giant applied for a licence to operate in the town.
Stratford-upon-Avon District Council has revoked the licences of two taxi drivers following a series of speeding offences.
A Northampton taxi driver has been found guilty of trafficking cocaine between his home city and Milford Haven.
The move comes after concerns were raised by the taxi industry about the rising cost of purchasing new vehicles.
Guide Dogs charity has asked licensing authorities in England for their support in sharing guidance on the law on carrying guide or other assistance dogs with all taxi and private hire operators.
Reading Taxi Association (RTA) chairman Asif Rashid has slammed Reading Borough Council's proposed phase-out of older petrol and diesel cabs by 2028, calling it a financial burden for drivers.
Dorset Council is poised to review taxi fares across the region, excluding Weymouth and Portland which have separate regulations.
A North Belfast man, Ruairi Fintan Muldoon (31), has been sentenced to 12 months in prison with an additional 12 months on supervised release for a botched attempt to rob a taxi driver.
Passengers are been invited to take part in a survey aimed at finding out if the taxi trade in West Suffolk is accessible to all.
A Glasgow man, Darren Gray, 31, launched into a verbal tirade and racially abused a taxi driver on Paisley Road West on August 19th, 2022.