Taxi fares in Ipswich will increase from today
The council say there's approximately 137 hackney carriages registered with the authority
Taxi fares in Ipswich are increasing today, after changes were signed off by the council to help keep services running and cover rising costs.
The proposal was approved by the Executive at its meeting in September. The new rates come in following a public consultation, with the aim of making prices fair for both passengers and drivers.
Councillors commented that 2.55% initially seemed to be a reasonable increase, however, the report indicated that the proposed increase would see Ipswich become the 67th most expensive authority out of 344 authorities.
The council say there's approximately 137 hackney carriages registered with the authority.
Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, said: "Anyone who operates a vehicle will notice, costs going up, be it repairs, replacement of vehicles, however you choose to fuel your vehicle, prices go up and these Hackney Carriage drivers tend to be self-employed people who also have families to support.
"We want to set fares at levels, which enables some term of living. There will be less Hackney carriages available and then that causes problems to the public when they can't get a cab."