April 3, 2019 2.37 pm This story is over 67 months old

Councillors to hail first taxi charge increase in seven years

The last rise was in January 2012

Hackney carriage taxi fares in Lincoln will rise for the first time in seven years by at least 10% if approved next week.

The city council will debate changes to the fares system, which would see the distance needed to travel before extra charges were added decreased.

It is the first hike in charges since January 2012.

The charge will see the rate for 1-4 passengers travelling between 6am and 11pm increase by 14%.

The charge breaks down as £3 for an initial 180 metres (down from 210 metres), with that doubling with the second 210 metres and thereafter adding 20p each time that distance is travelled again.

Those passengers travelling between 11pm-6am, or 5-8 passengers travelling any time, will see their fares increase by 10%.

This means fares will be valued at £3.80 for the first two 202 metres travelled, down from 225 metres, and 30p thereafter.

Those travelling during the Christmas Eve to December 27 and New Years’ Eve to New Year’s Day periods will still see the fare double as normal.

No changes will be made to the current waiting rates or miscellaneous charges such as dogs, furniture, bikes or white goods.

The council has consulted hackney carriage operators in the city, with 17 responding in favour of the proposals, while nine were against the changes and one made no comment.

Several operators asked for further increases, however, no official proposals have been received by the authority.