Meeting documents

The Committee had considered the Table of Fares at a meeting on 2 June 2011 (Minute 5 refers).  Although it had been determined that there should be no change, the Committee had requested a further report detailing potential options for increasing the ‘extra charges’ section of the Hackney Carriage Fares.

The report now before the Committee detailed the ‘extra charge’ items - which had been unchanged since 2000 - provided comparative figures with other Buckinghamshire Districts, included comments from the Chiltern District Drivers Association (CDDA), and provided various options for the Committee to consider.

During the ensuing discussions, the Committee acknowledged the need to balance the need of drivers for charges to increase as a result of increased running costs, with the impact any increases would have on those persons who needed to use Hackney carriages.

Regarding the charge for ‘each passenger in excess of one’, it was confirmed that this was a flat charge regardless of the length of journey.  The Committee did not propose any change to existing rates for one to four passengers.  However, following a vote, it was agreed that there be an additional £1 charge per additional passenger.  For example, a £1 charge for five passengers, a £2 charge for six passengers, a £3 charge for seven passengers, and a £4 charge for eight passengers.  It was considered that this struck a balance between the respective needs of drivers and users, particularly since the charge could not reflect the length of journey at present.

The Head of Health and Housing advised that it would be necessary to check viability with the taxi meter company, but did not expect there to be any issues.

Regarding charges for dogs (excluding seeing or hearing dogs), the Committee agreed that the same charges applied to people should apply to dogs.

Regarding additional charges for shopping bags, the Committee agreed that this charge should be removed, with no charge for suitcases either.  The representative from the CDDA had confirmed that many drivers did not impose these charges anyway.

Members were supportive in principle of an increase in the soiling charge.  However, it was noted that any charge in excess of £25 that was varied would require publication in the local press.  In order to avoid the large advertisement costs, it was agreed that the soiling charge be reviewed when the Table of Fares was next considered.  If the Committee were at that time minded to amend the Table of Fares, a change to the Soiling Change (if agreed) could also be incorporated within the advertisement.

RESOLVED -

1.            That the extra charges section of the Hackney Carriage Table of Fares be amended as follows, and the Head of Health and Housing asked to consult with the taxi meter companies accordingly:

i)              The ‘each passenger in excess of one’ charge be amended to reflect the following: “where the combined human and/or canine* passenger total exceeds four each additional passenger will be charged £1, regardless of journey day/time/duration/distance”.

* Assistance dogs shall not count towards this total.

ii)            The existing charge for each dog (excluding seeing and hearing dogs) shall be removed from the fares list.

iii)          The existing charge for shopping bags or luggage shall be removed from the fares list.

2.            That the soiling charge be reviewed when the Table of Fares is next considered.