Tunbridge Wells could soon become Kent's second most expensive place to hail a taxi.

Local taxi driver Clayton Berry has submitted a proposal to the borough council seeking a 60p increase for a standard two-mile journey.

The proposed fare hike, if approved, would take effect next month.

The increase is attributed to rising operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, licensing fees, card transaction charges and the overall cost of living.

Currently, a two-mile journey on 'tariff one' costs £8. With the proposed increase, it would rise to £8.60. For 'tariff two' journeys, the cost would increase from £11.80 to £12.70.

If implemented, these new rates would place Tunbridge Wells second only to Sevenoaks in terms of taxi fare costs within Kent.

Mr Berry has also requested an increase in the 'additional passenger capacity charge' from £2 to £3 for journeys with more than four passengers.

The borough council's licensing committee debated the proposal on Tuesday, November 19th. 

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Owner of Salford firm Taxi Transfers, Stuart Ryan, saw a video about a local OAPs Christmas Party in December being charged £30 an hour for room rental.

He contacted the organisers and met up with Tony Flynn and gave him £150 towards the cost of the party.

Tony said: “ We are honestly touched by his generosity and his community spirit … a true gentleman….Stuart we salute you.”

  PHTM SO PROUD OF OUR TRADE

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Users of taxis are being asked to take part in a short, anonymous survey during November to help understand what concerns they have. Their answers will potentially shape future improvements in the industry.

The survey is being conducted by University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Professor Joanne Westwood and Dr Helen Richardson Foster, who were asked to help by Shaz Malik, founder of Chorley Taxi Association (CTA).

Professor Westwood, from the University’s Connect Centre for International Research on Interpersonal Violence and Harm, said: “This survey is sense-checking Lancashire’s taxi users. People use taxis for all sorts of reasons and sometimes it’s the only mode of transport available.

“Despite a range of safety features being in place, we’ve heard anecdotally that some people don’t feel safe being in taxis so we want to capture people’s thoughts and discover what makes them feel unsafe. Our aim is to get a clear picture and then see what can be done to help users and the taxi drivers.”

The academics were approached to undertake this research by Shaz Malik, founder of Chorley Taxi Association (CTA), who has raised concerns about fraudulent taxi drivers and Uber drivers crossing borders.

Amy Hodkinson from the CTA, an advocate for women, has highlighted simple measures that can make a big difference.

She said: “Like dropping passengers to safe drop-off locations, such as well-lit areas or spots with more foot traffic, ensuring every woman feels safe and respected on her travels. This survey will give us a better understanding how customer feels”.

Mr Malik said: “Taxi drivers play a vital role in our local communities and are a key cog in our transport link. Our goal is to ensure that traveling by taxi is as safe as possible for both passengers and drivers. This is your opportunity to share your experience, it is multiple questions and it doesn’t take long to complete, the survey is anonymous.

“Cross-border taxi services have complicated matters, raising concerns about customer safety due to the presence of fraudulent taxi drivers exploiting the situation as seen in many cases around the country.”

In the summer, they told the Post: “Public safety is of paramount importance to us. Partnership working with our Licensing colleagues and other agencies shows our commitment to upholding our responsibilities; we expect drivers and vehicles licensed by us to always maintain the highest standards. This is irrespective of the administrative boundary within which they are operating at any particular time.

Mr Malik said of the CTA’s extra checks: “At CTA, we take pride in the fact that these regulations effectively eliminate poor drivers.

"Drivers who are part of any association shows they support this and it’s another layer of safety we are always looking at improving safety for the customer and for drivers."

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A disgusting lout spat in a private hire driver's face after he was refused a lift home.

David Lye approached the cabbie on Clayton Street in Newcastle city centre on August 27 this year, but saw red when he was told he couldn't take fares off the street because he was private hire.

Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that the 62-year-old spat through the open driver's window and into the victim's face, while shouting abuse.

Lye, of Scotswood, Newcastle, then threatened the driver, who had got out his car, with one of his crutches before the police were flagged down and he was arrested.

The thug has now been ordered to pay the victim £200 in compensation after he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to assault by beating.

In a statement, the victim said: "This incident left me angry and frustrated. I have lost income due to not being able to take fares while reporting this incident to the police."

The court heard that Lye had numerous offences on his record, including for violence, but they had recently been mainly related to theft.

Sentencing him, District Judge Paul Currer told Lye: "You spat in his face through a window - that's an appalling, truly awful and terrible thing to do."

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Officers from North Yorkshire Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to following an incident in Malton where a taxi fare has not been paid.

It happened at approximately 1.40am on Sunday October 27 on North Road when a man asked for a taxi back to Malton.

He asked the driver to drop him on North Road before running out of the taxi without paying the fare of £49.20.

Officers are asking anyone who recognises the man pictured on CCTV to get in touch, as he may have information that will assist their investigation.

Email ed.chatland@northyorkshire.police.uk if you can help or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, and ask for Ed Chatland.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Quote reference 12240196443 when passing on information.

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