Proposed Wiltshire taxi tariff increase criticised by Salisbury driver
There are concerns it could price passengers out
The cost of getting a taxi in Wiltshire could soon rise, but the idea's facing criticism.
Wiltshire Council's consulting on raising the daytime tariff by 10%.
The authority say it's in response to reports of some taxi drivers in the county adding on their own extra charges, to help meet increased overheads like car maintenance and fuel costs.
Salisbury taxi driver Giles Harries says with the cost-of-living crisis biting people hard, this isn’t the right time for increases:
"I think it's just an incredibly bad time to be doing this. I think the moral high line here is just to accept the status quo, and accept that you're going to take or make slightly less money, and when you go shopping, it's going to cost more."
Mr Harries thinks any change would have a negative impact on his business, and others like him:
"I think it's completely disgusting. It's the second price tariff increase this year, and it's already just about the most expensive place in the world (to get a taxi) as it is, so it's ridiculous."
A rise in fees would mean a taxi journey from Salisbury city centre to Old Sarum would cost £10.45, up from £9.50.
Independent taxi driver Giles Harries feels larger companies may take advantage:
"The basic thing is that I'll be able to look my customers in the eye, and I don't think that if the bigger companies are going for a bigger increase, that they can comfortably look their customers in the eye."
Wiltshire Council say the consultation of the fees runs until the end of the week, with the responses then being considered.
They've insisted no final decision has been made about increasing taxi tariffs.