Maximum hackney carriage fares consultation
We set the maximum rates of fares for hackney carriages across the county. Our aim is to strike a balance between setting a fare that is acceptable to the customer and trade.
Fares are reviewed regularly to ensure drivers are fairly rewarded for their work, and to also ensure that members of the public are not deterred from using taxis in their area.
We have compared the current table of fares with the maximum rates set by neighbouring authorities. The comparison charts can be viewed on our taxi fares page.
The fares are also the maximum a driver can charge, and they can charge a lower fare should they wish to do so.
The consultation took place for six weeks between June and July, and 292 people responded. It was promoted in the media, on social media and to the trade.
Q1. Which of the following best describes your main interest in taxi licensing?
Q2. The current maximum fare for a three-mile journey during the day is £9.99. Do you think this is…
Q3. If you have answered 'Much too high' or 'Somewhat too high', how much do you
think the fare should change by?
Q3a. Other, please state below…
Feedback suggests that current taxi fares for a 3-mile journey are too high, with most people recommending a price between £5 and £7. Many propose fare reductions ranging from 20% to 50%, arguing that lower prices would make taxis more accessible, especially in rural areas, and could increase demand. Comparisons are also made to Uber, which is regularly 40–50% cheaper.
Q4a. Other, please state below…
Just two comments; one suggesting £12 and the other stating "Doesn’t matter".
Q5. If you wish to do so, please share any comments you have based on your previous answer:
· Several respondents emphasised the need for lower, more reasonable fares and that fares are too expensive
· Frequent calls for fare reductions, often specifying percentage decreases, common suggestions included fares between £5 and £7.50
· Uber was cited as a cheaper and more accessible alternative
· Concerns about high fares affecting accessibility in rural areas
· Suggestions that lower fares could increase taxi usage
· References to minimum wage and fair compensation for drivers as cost of running a taxi has increased significantly over the years, as has the cost of living
Q7a. Other, please state below…
Feedback suggests a desire for significant reductions in taxi fares, with many proposing decreases ranging from 10% to 65%. Suggested maximum fares for short journeys commonly fall between £6 and £8, especially before midnight. Again, comparisons to Uber, which is said to be around 40% cheaper. Concerns were raised about affordability for evening outings and public safety, particularly for young women. One suggestion to scrap time-and-a-half rates after midnight and instead increase the flagfall.
Q8. If you have answered 'Much too low' or 'Somewhat too low', how much do you
think the fare should change by?
Q8a. Other, please state below…
Just three comments; Suggestion there are no customers, it should be £17, and it should be equivalent to time and a half of the day rate, just like the general public would get for working unsociable hours.
Q9. If you wish to do so, please share any comments you have based on your previous answer:
· Several respondents felt nighttime fares were excessively high, with suggested reductions ranged from 10% to 65%
· Frequent proposals for maximum fares between £6 and £10 for a 3-mile journey
· Uber was cited as 40% cheaper and more transparent, with several respondents preferring Uber due to affordability and ease of use
· Concerns about young women traveling at night and suggestions to scrap time-and-a-half charges and adjust flagfall rates to improve safety and affordability
· High fares seen as a barrier for rural residents, disabled individuals, and those with limited public transport, and discouraging social outings and increased isolation
· Calls for more consistent pricing and regulation of private hire services
Q10. The current maximum fare for a three-mile journey during Christmas and New Year is £19.98. Do you think this is…
Q11a. Other, please state below…
Many respondents expressed a strong desire for significant reductions in taxi fares, with repeated calls for decreases of between 20% and 50%. Several comments proposed a maximum fare of £10 or £12, arguing that current rates – sometimes exceeding £6.50 per mile – are excessive and unjustified.
There was also criticism of Tariff 3, with some suggesting it should be scrapped entirely. A recurring sentiment was that in a 24-hour economy, charging higher rates during holidays or late hours is unfair, especially when working those times is a personal choice.
Q12. If you have answered 'Much too low' or 'Somewhat too low', how much do you think the fare should change by?
Q12a. Other, please state below…
Again, just three comments; Suggestion it doesn’t matter, and the trade must charge normal. As well as a suggestion of 24, and this should also be double the daytime tariff, just like members of the public get from their daytime occupations.
Q13. If you wish to do so, please share any comments you have based on your previous answer:
· Many respondents acknowledge the unsociable hours and believe drivers should be fairly compensated for working over the festive period
· Others argue that working during holidays is a choice, and fares should not be inflated as a result
· Some suggest a modest premium is acceptable, while others call the current rates "daylight robbery" or "scandalous"
· A significant number of comments describe fares as too high, with some calling for reductions of up to 50%
· Several respondents mention that £19.98 for 3 miles is excessive and discourages travel, especially for low-income or rural residents
· There are calls to abolish Tariff 3 and instead use a simplified or capped system
· Drivers and supporters highlight the rising cost of living, lack of customers and competition from Uber
· Some stress that without fare increases the trade becomes unsustainable, especially for independent drivers
· High fares are seen as a barrier to safe travel, possibly encouraging drink driving
· There are concerns about accessibility, especially for the elderly or disabled passengers
Q2. The current maximum fare for a three-mile journey during the day is £9.99. Do you think this is…
Q3. If you have answered 'Much too high' or 'Somewhat too high', how much do you
think the fare should change by?
Q4. If you have answered 'Much too low' or 'Somewhat too low', how much do you think the fare should change by?
Q6. The current maximum fare for a three-mile journey during the night is £14.98. Do you think this is…
Q7. If you have answered 'Much too high' or 'Somewhat too high', how much do you think the fare should change by?
Q8. If you have answered 'Much too low' or 'Somewhat too low', how much do you
think the fare should change by?
Q10. The current maximum fare for a three-mile journey during Christmas and New Year is £19.98. Do you think this is…
Q11. If you have answered 'Much too high' or 'Somewhat too high', how much do you think the fare should change by?
Q12. If you have answered 'Much too low' or 'Somewhat too low', how much do you
think the fare should change by?
