Taxi drivers in the Highlands set for 20% tariff increases and £150 soiling charge

Taxi drivers in the Highlands of Scotland look set for a 20% tariff increase if new proposals are given the green light by council members.

People in the Highlands are being asked for their views on proposals by the council to review the maximum level of charges for vehicles fitted with taxi meters.

The council has a statutory duty to review the tariffs and other taxi related charges every 18 months. At a Highland Licensing Committee meeting on 6 September, members agreed a draft tariff for public consultation which included a 20% increase to all tariffs.

It is proposed that from February 2023, the maximum fares, and extras, will be amended as follows:

All tariffs proposed to be increased by 20%. The general effect of these proposed increases are detailed below.

Current Tariff 1 – £4.00 for the first mile plus £1.80 per mile thereafter

Proposed Tariff 1 increase - £4.90 for the first mile plus £2.20 per mile thereafter

Current Tariff 2 - £4.90 for the first mile plus £2.30 per mile thereafter

Proposed Tariff 2 increase - £5.90 for the first mile plus £2.70 per mile thereafter

Current Tariff 3 - £6.00 for the first mile plus £2.70 per mile thereafter

Proposed Tariff 3 increase - £7.20 for the first mile plus £3.30 per mile thereafter

Current Tariff 4 - £6.60 for the first mile plus £3.60 per mile thereafter

Proposed Tariff 4 increase - £8.00 for the first mile plus £4.30 per mile thereafter

Current Tariff 5 – £7.30 for the first mile plus £4.50 per mile thereafter

Proposed Tariff 5 increase – £8.90 for the first mile plus £5.50 per mile thereafter

Soiling charge – The maximum amount payable by an offending passenger, where a vehicle requires to be removed from service for cleaning in order for it to be restored to a usable state and condition be increased from £120.00 to £150.00.

Luggage charge – A maximum charge of £5.00 be introduced for the carriage of bulky items which cannot be reasonably accommodated in the boot of the vehicle being hired. This charge may only be demanded if the customer is informed of the amount of the charge at the time of booking. For the avoidance of any doubt, this will not apply to any items designed to assist the mobility of users such as wheelchairs or walking aids.