Barnsley taxi drivers urge council to RAISE tariffs to stop drivers quitting industry

Barnsley's taxi drivers are struggling to keep their industry alive amidst mounting costs and cut-price tariffs.

They have now issued a warning that they will be forced to quit the industry if the council does not approve tariff increases soon.

Following a series of talks over the escalating situation, the general licensing board has agreed to review the proposal of increasing Hackney carriage fares in the town. Members of the board are expected to assess the views of the drivers before making a final decision on the matter.

Barnsley taxi drivers are hopeful that the council will favourably consider their plea to hike the fares from the current £4.20 to £4.50 for the first mile, and from £1.60 to £1.80 for every mile subsequently.

The Hackney Carriage Association (HCA) in the town is of the opinion that the increase in tariffs will counteract the significant rise in fuel bills, running costs and insurance that drivers are facing. The price hike may also help in saving the industry from potential collapse by dissuading drivers from leaving.

According to the Barnsley Chronicle, the Chairman of Barnsley HCA, Rob Taylor, said: “Barnsley is currently 298th in Hackney fares out of 339 councils this increase would bring us up to 252 still well below the average of others.

“We believe this increase to be fair and proportionate in the current economy.

“We have recently lost drivers to the main two private hire companies and also to jobs that pay the minimum wage of £10.42.

“Very often we don’t make the minimum wage throughout the week and need extra hours such as working nights to make our wage up.”