TAXI drivers in Warrington are split on whether fares should be increased in the borough for the first time for four years.
Warrington Taxi Drivers Association (WTDA) has asked the borough council to increase fares by 50p for the first 880 yards, irrespective of journey length, due to the length of time since the last review.
But a petition signed by 29 members of the Warrington Hackney Owners and Drivers Association (WHODA) 
objects to the proposal and asks that fares remain as they are.
Members of the council’s licensing committee will consider the representations from both organisations on Tuesday.
Warrington has historically reviewed fares following a request from the trade while most councils review tariffs on an annual basis. Councillors have taken the view that cabbies themselves are in the best position to consider the effect of any change.
But in view of the conflicting requests, officers have researched motoring costs now compared with those of 2009.
Evidence provided by the AA has found the cost of unleaded petrol has increased by 22 per cent and diesel by 27.5 per cent. At the same time, insurance and vehicle repair costs have also risen.
Last month the average taxi fare in Warrington – for a two mile journey – was £4.70, which placed the town 338th in a list of 364 authorities in the UK. If the increase suggested by the WTDA was approved, the average fare would rise to £5.20 and Warrington would move to 265th in the UK “league table” on a par with Ellesmere Port, Halton, Trafford and Wirral, among others.
A report to next week’s meeting points out that drivers opposed to the increase have the option to charge less than the metered fares so could reduce the displayed fare by 50p or any other amount should they wish to do so.
It also notes that any rise in fares will impact on the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable groups of people who use taxis as their main mode of transport.
If the council agrees to the 50p increase, there will be a consultation period during which objections can be made
Taxi drivers split on fares increase
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
