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Torbay Council propose higher Hackney Carriage fares including 60p increase to daytime and night-time ‘flag fall’ starting fees
Torbay Council has opened a statutory consultation on changes to Hackney Carriage taxi fares which would increase the daytime initial charge from £3.90 to £4.50 for the first 470 yards. The night-time, Sunday and Bank Holiday starting fare would rise from £4.50 to £5.10.
Under the proposals, the subsequent daytime distance rate for taxis carrying up to four passengers would remain at 20p for each 145 yards, with waiting time unchanged at 20p per 30 seconds. Tariff 2 would retain its 25p subsequent distance rate and 25p waiting charge.
A significant change would introduce separate tariffs for larger groups. For five to eight passengers, Tariff 3 would start at £5.50 for the first 470 yards, followed by 25p for each subsequent 145 yards. A £6.10 starting charge and 30p subsequent rate would apply under Tariff 4 during specified Christmas and New Year periods.
The additional charges structure would also change. The maximum advance booking charge would double from 50p to £1, while the soiling charge would rise from £75 to £100. The existing 20p charge for each additional passenger above one would be replaced by the new passenger-based tariff structure.
The council published its public notice on 13 August and has set a deadline of Friday 4 September 2026 for written objections. If no objections are received, the revised Torbay taxi tariff will take effect on 1 October. If an objection is made and not withdrawn, the council must consider it before determining when and in what form the revised fares come into force.
Torbay’s existing Hackney Carriage fare table has been in force since 7 October 2024. The council sets maximum Hackney Carriage fares, while private hire prices are set independently by operators.
