Council says enforcement action has started after reports of taxi drivers adding up to 10% onto fares for card payments
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Rossendale Borough Council has warned taxi drivers they could face prosecution after reports emerged of passengers being charged extra for paying fares by card.
The council said it had received complaints from residents that some local taxi drivers had been adding surcharges onto agreed fares when customers used card payments.
In most reported cases the additional charge was around 10%, although some passengers said the increase had been higher.
According to the authority, adding a surcharge for paying by card breaches the Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations. The council confirmed it has already started licensing enforcement procedures and notified Trading Standards following a review of the evidence submitted by passengers.
Rossendale warns taxi drivers over illegal card payment surcharges
The move places further attention on payment practices within the taxi and private hire sector, where card acceptance has become increasingly common following the wider shift away from cash payments. Operators and drivers are expected to provide transparent pricing, with regulators taking a firmer stance on undisclosed fees and overcharging.
Rossendale Borough Council said passengers should never be charged more than the agreed fare simply because they choose to pay by card. The authority advised customers to agree fares before starting journeys where possible, check that no extra amounts are added through card machines and retain receipts if they believe they have been overcharged.
The council also urged passengers to report any incidents involving additional card payment fees to its Licensing Team. Officials stated that all reported breaches would be investigated through the appropriate licensing channels and shared with Trading Standards for potential further action.
In a stronger warning to the trade, the council said any driver found adding card surcharges from Friday 1 May 2026 could face prosecution. The authority described the practice as a criminal offence under current consumer protection legislation.
