Brighton and Hove taxi fares could rise under £3.30-per-mile proposal

Brighton & Hove Council has proposed raising the mileage rate by 30p to £3.30 per mile while retaining the existing £3 starting fare. Instead of increasing the initial charge, the distance between meter increments would be reduced.

Council figures show the proposed tariffs would represent a 27.55% increase since August 2019, compared with a 30% rise in the Consumer Prices Index. For journeys exceeding 10 miles, the average increase since the previous fare change in March 2024 would be about 7.4%.

The hourly waiting-time charge would also rise from £20 to £30. Trade representatives said higher fares were needed to meet rising fuel, insurance, maintenance and licensing compliance costs while helping drivers earn the national living wage.

A two-mile daytime fare of £9.30 would move Brighton and Hove from 38th to joint 15th in national taxi fare rankings. The city would have the third-highest fare among the council’s comparator and Sussex authorities, behind Eastbourne at £9.60 and Arun at £9.50.

Any fare variation remains subject to equality impact engagement and the statutory consultation process. The council must advertise the proposed tariffs and allow at least 14 days for objections before any revised fares can take effect.