Taxi fare increase agreed by Rotherham Council’s cabinet

The current charge for the first mile is £4.50, with each additional mile costing the passenger £1.50.

Drivers have asked that the council allow them to charge £4.80 for the first mile, an increase of 6.7 per cent, and £1.70 for each additional mile thereafter – a 13 per cent increase.

Pending the outcome of a consultation, the waiting charge will also be increased from 20p to 30p per minute, and to raise the soiling charge from £50 to £60.

The fare increase will apply to Hackney Carriages registered with RMBC, not private hire taxis.

Rotherham’s Hackney Carriage Association has requested the changes as the cost of running a vehicle has increased since the current rate was set in 2022.

Drivers have also proposed that the time the night time tariff is brought forwards from 9pm to 8pm.

During the meeting, councillor Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “The local Hackney Carriage Association has asked the council to increase the fares that they charge, to take into account of their increased operating costs, which is fuel, insurance, and the general increase in cost of living expenses.”

Coun Lelliott added the increase may help tackle out-of-town drivers.

Leader of the council Chris Read added: “Taxi drivers are facing the same kind of pressures we’ve talked about. Everybody needs to be able to make ends meet.”

A 14-day consultation period will now begin, and the plans will be brought back to cabinet if objections are received.