Taxi licence fees in the Harrogate district frozen for the second year running
It's down to the impacts of the pandemic
Taxi licence fees in the Harrogate district have been frozen for the second year running due to the impacts of Covid-19.
As a result, there are 50 fewer taxi on the roads across the Harrogate district.
Members of Harrogate Borough Council’s licensing committee yesterday (17 November) agreed not to increase fees after it was revealed there has been a big drop in the number of taxis on the roads.
Big drop in the number of taxis on the roads
Gareth Bentley, licensing manager at the council, said there are around 50 fewer private hire vehicles operating in the area, although he added there are “early signs” that the trade is recovering.
“There are some very small signs of recovery, but it is very early,” he said.
“The numbers of drivers and vehicles over the years has always been very steady – we have only ever seen very slight fluctuations.
“There are lots of reasons why this could have now reduced.
“It is a hard job for a start. Some drivers have migrated into other careers and decided that is where they want to be.
“Whether we will get a new set of drivers coming to replace the 50 we have lost – only time will tell.”
The licence fee freeze for the 2022/23 financial year was unanimously approved by members of the committee.