TAXI FARES are set to rise in Shropshire as drivers in the county and across the country grapple with the rising costs of fuel.

The licensing team of Shropshire Council received a request to review the current Hackney carriage fares due to the increase in fuel costs and general running costs and it has been proposed a formal consultation on taxi fares will take place from Monday, July 4 to Sunday, July 31.

The proposal is for an increase of 30p per mile for each additional mile across all four tariffs, but it is proposed the flag and first mile for each four tariffs remains unchanged at £4.90.

Some taxi drivers have said they are in favour of the policy due to increased costs.

One driver, who remained anonymous, said in a report to the council: "There should be no change to start price of all fares.

"There should be an increase of 30 pence per mile on the running mile of all four tariffs – three pence per tenth of mile.

"This change is to take into account the increased cost of fuel and general running costs that we now have to pay."

However another opposed the moves citing support from the public after Covid-19 and having regular customers.

He wrote: "I do not think in this current climate with people struggling financially with energy and fuel this is a good idea.

"Taxi drivers will in my opinion price themselves out of work also as the fares are adequate as they are.

"They get like me 100 per cent relief off tax for their fuel.

"Now is not the time I make a living albeit harder than normal they should do as well.

"I suggest that we look at this in another 12 months.

"Drivers in this business need to be more sympathetic with the public and not look to make a quick easy buck.

"I for one would like my meter prices to remain the same I’m more than happy and have a good regular clientele who are willing to pay the rates we’re on.

"They have supported is during and after Covid-19.

"Do we really want to remove that support of them and lose what we have."

You can find out more via https://shropshire.gov.uk/committee-services/documents