FUEL SURCHARGE ADDED: Council backs 20p taxi fare extra due to fuel price volatility
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 17
- 1 min read
North Devon Council has approved proposals to increase taxi fares, introducing a fuel price-linked surcharge aimed at supporting drivers facing rising operating costs tied to the Middle East conflict.
Under the plans discussed at a recent Licensing Committee meeting, the starting fare for a standard vehicle during daytime hours would increase from £3.10 to £3.90, while larger vehicles carrying five or more passengers would rise from £4.70 to £5.85.
A 20p surcharge would also be applied to journeys when fuel prices exceed £1.70 per litre, with further 20p increments triggered for every additional 5p rise in fuel costs.
The changes will now move to public consultation, with implementation expected from July if approved. Drivers would have discretion over whether to adopt the new tariff structure.
Proposed tariff changes include higher starting fares and a fuel-linked surcharge mechanism
The council’s licensing and community safety committee also agreed to raise waiting time charges from 25p to 30p per minute. However, members opted against increasing the per-mile rate, citing concerns over passenger affordability during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Industry feedback submitted during consultation highlighted mounting financial strain. One driver said that once fuel, insurance and maintenance costs are considered, it is “extremely difficult to make a living during daytime hours”.
Councillor Simon Maddocks said the revised fare structure would provide a “safety net” during a period of fuel price volatility, adding that the framework could be reviewed again within two years.
