Dorset taxi fares set to increase as fuel prices rise
Dorset Councillors are being asked to approve an above-inflation increase
Dorset taxi drivers say they can no longer afford to absorb the rising costs of keeping their vehicles on the road.
Dorset councillors are being asked to approve an above-inflation increase in fares and license fees from April…although are being warned that even with the fares hike some drivers could have to decide whether or not they carry on, as fuel prices rise and other costs by the day.
The new rates are expected to be agreed at a committee meeting on Friday with separate fare levels for Weymouth and Portland and the rest of the county.
Responses to a consultation about the changes in fees, fares and licensing led one driver to complain that the council: “spends 20 minutes once a year renewing a vehicle plate, and 20 minutes once every three years for a drivers badge. Looks like your charges are equivalent to £350 an hour !!”
Other drivers claim the local industry is struggling to survive because of Covid and now the effects of rising prices: “Fuel costs are currently at unacceptable highs and could reach £2 a litre within weeks. The small taxi companies, like ourselves, are going to close down. Only the larger taxi companies have the infrastructure to battle on, with support from Dorset council school contracts…
“The national figure for taxi drivers who have left the industry, during covid-19 lockdowns, is sitting at 40%. Councils need to promote taxi companies and encourage new drivers. By putting up licence fees, you are only going to close down more operators and chase new drivers away.”
Some of the drivers claim the proposed increases in licensing fees, payable to Dorset Council, could amount to an annual increase of at least £600.
One says that an average driver will pay £260 a week to keep their vehicle services, taxed, Mot’d, insured, licenced and for mandatory fees.
“This is before any purchase of vehicle or finance is included and any repairs have been factored in. Also before any DBS checks and medicals. This they must earn before they break even. Drivers are still financially struggling from the effects of lockdowns from Covid 19 and will do so.”
What will the new fares cost?
The new proposed fare rates for weekdays, 7am to 11pm, in most of Dorset will see an initial charge of £3 and then £4.40 for the first mile and £2.80 for each subsequent mile. For 11pm to 7am these will be £4.50, £6.60 and £4.20 with even higher rates on bank holidays over the Christmas period.
For Weymouth and Portland the proposed rates are (7am to 11pm) £2.70 initial charge, £5.30 for the first mile and £2 for each subsequent mile and for 11pm to 7am £3.10, £5.90 and £2.40.
A trade magazine gives rankings to the cost of fares with 1 being the most expensive. It in Weymouth ranks 44th, East Dorset 73rd , Purbeck 111th, North 189th and West Dorset 202nd.