North Yorkshire taxi fares could jump 5% as diesel costs soar more than 40%
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
North Yorkshire Council is considering a 5% increase to maximum Hackney Carriage fares after mounting fuel costs and pressure from drivers prompted a fresh review of taxi pricing across the county.
A report presented to the council’s Executive on 12 May states that three separate requests had been received from the Hackney Carriage trade seeking a review of the current fare structure amid continued increases in operating costs linked to fuel prices and wider economic pressures.
The proposed changes would affect all tariff bands used by licensed Hackney Carriage vehicles in North Yorkshire. Under the recommendation, Tariff 1 rates would increase from £2.22 to £2.33 per mile, while waiting time charges would rise from £20.23 to £21.24 per hour. Tariff 2 would increase from £3.15 to £3.31 per mile and Tariff 3 from £4.20 to £4.41 per mile.
Council officers said the review had been prompted partly by sustained increases in fuel prices since the current fares came into effect in July 2024.
Council report recommends increasing Hackney Carriage maximum fares across all tariff bands following sharp rises in diesel and petrol prices
According to the report, unleaded petrol prices have risen by 17.58% during that period, while diesel costs have increased by 42.26%. Diesel prices were recorded at 191.54p per litre in April 2026 compared with 134.64p in July 2024.
The authority noted that most Hackney Carriage vehicles operating in North Yorkshire remain diesel or petrol powered, although there is a growing proportion of hybrid and fully electric vehicles entering the fleet.
Officials added that the cost of running a petrol or diesel vehicle remains unchanged at an average of £3,356 annually, citing Office for National Statistics data.
North Yorkshire Council last amended its Hackney Carriage fare structure in July 2024 following consultation with the trade. A further review in September 2025 resulted in no changes after the Executive decided existing fare levels remained appropriate at that time.
The report highlighted that councils are not legally required to set maximum taxi fares, although most authorities choose to do so to provide consistency and consumer protection, particularly for occasional passengers. The council warned that failing to review fares could affect the viability of Hackney Carriage services and reduce driver availability across the county.
Council officers also pointed to the importance of the taxi trade within the night-time economy and public transport network. The report stated Hackney Carriage drivers play a key role transporting people safely during anti-social hours and providing services for vulnerable passengers, school transport and social care journeys.
The proposed increase would apply only to Hackney Carriage vehicles, which can legally pick up passengers from taxi ranks or street hails. Private hire vehicle fares remain outside council control as those journeys must be pre-booked through licensed operators.
Any objections received during the consultation period would require the Executive to reconsider the proposals before implementation.
The report ultimately recommends approval of the revised fare table together with publication of the required statutory notices.
