Cabbies in Brighton and Hove have been forced to ask for a fare increase for the first time in three years, due to rising fuel prices and insurance costs.
The Hackney carriage drivers have asked Brighton and Hove Council to consider a number of changes to their tariffs. The first is a proposed fare rise of 60p on all three-mile city centre journeys. This takes the current fare of £6.80 up to £7.40 covering their increased running costs.
Cabbies have also asked for all initial fares, for all tariffs, to increase by 20p, seeing the daytime tariff rise from £2.40 to £2.60. For every additional 160 yards, an extra 20p is proposed compared to the old system’s 176 yards.
On top of this, cabbies have asked for a 50% increase for all taxi fares carrying five to eight passengers.
Ranked 61st nationally in the country for fares, Brighton and Hove, which was third in the rankings in May 2002, is now the lowest it has ever been.