Denbighshire Licensing Committee to consider proposed rise in taxi fares
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Denbighshire’s Licensing Committee is due to consider changes to hackney carriage fares at a meeting scheduled for 3 June 2025. The review follows a recommendation from June 2024 to revisit the table of fares after 12 months.
The proposal under consideration—put forward on behalf of 42 licensed drivers—seeks to increase starting rates and mileage charges across all tariffs. The changes would see daytime fares rise to £7.25 for a two-mile journey, with late evening and weekend fares reaching £8.70. Journeys at night and those involving more than four passengers could cost £10.10 for the same distance.
This would represent the first increase since July 2022. Denbighshire’s current two-mile fare stands at £6.00, placing it mid-range among the six North Wales authorities. Anglesey is the highest at £6.30, while Wrexham is the lowest at £5.60.
The council has historically opted to set maximum rates for hackney carriage fares to provide consistency and safeguard passengers from unreasonable charges. The rates apply only to journeys that begin and end within the county. For cross-border trips, fares can be negotiated in advance, otherwise the meter applies.
Previous efforts to update the fare model using a new calculator were hindered by a lack of data from local licence holders. Despite efforts by council officers last year, no feedback was received from the trade to help improve the tool.
Should the Licensing Committee support the proposed changes, a statutory public consultation will follow. If no objections are raised, the new fares will be implemented on the date specified in the notice. Any objections will require further consideration before setting a final tariff.
Council officers have advised that implementation could take up to two months. The final decision will require approval through a Lead Member Delegated decision, as fare setting is classified as an executive function.
The council noted that balancing the financial sustainability of hackney carriage operators with affordability for passengers is key. Rising fuel and operating costs have made it harder for drivers to maintain profitability, while fare increases also affect regular users, including those from vulnerable groups.
