CONWY’S licensing committee will consider increasing the taxi tariff in the county after a request from a struggling driver.
The committee is due to meet on Monday evening (December 9) and consider the request from a ‘Hackney Carriage Proprietor’ to vary the existing table of fares.
According to the report to be considered by councillors next week, taxi drivers in the county can currently charge up to £3.60 for the first mile and 30p for each subsequent one tenth of a mile after.
But taxi driver Aethelwulf Hodkinson has written to Conwy asking that this is increased to £4 and 30p for each one-twelfth of every subsequent mile, with other charges, for example waiting times, also being increased.
In a letter to Conwy, Mr Hodkinson wrote: “I am a Llandudno hackney carriage driver and I have become concerned with my earnings. As I am sure you will be aware, the taxi fares in Conwy council have not increased since February 2022.
“It is a recorded fact that cost of living has risen sharply over the past two plus years, including the cost of fuel which obviously impacts drivers directly.
“According to the Bank of England inflation calculator, spending £10 in 2022 would cost over 10% more in June 2024 and over 20% when compared to 2021. Unfortunately, it is not possible to specifically put in February 2022, but as it is the beginning of the year, I think that both the 2021 and 2022 figures of inflation are relevant.”
He added: “Conwy taxi fares, however, are at the same price. No matter where you turn or what you buy, prices have increased significantly. Life as a taxi driver in Conwy council has been steadily getting worse and worse as costs have gone up, both in business life and private life. The self-employed driver has also watched three wage increases for those employed workers while receiving none for themselves. I know I am not alone in struggling to justify staying in the industry when even making minimum wage is such a difficult, if not impossible, task.”
The report says licensing officers may grant, refuse, or suggest another proposal.
The licensing committee are set to consider the request at the committee meeting at Bodlondeb on Monday evening.
