Anger from the taxi and private hire trade as license fees increase

Trade publication Taxi Point reported this week on the anger felt by private hire drivers in South Wales following the decision to increase their licensing fees. Unite Wales, the trade union representing the drivers, have called on borough leaders in the Rhondda Cynon Taf region to ‘Recind the Taxi Fee’.  

But it’s not just Wales where licence fee rises have been confirmed. Licensing authorities across the country have been voting in favour of the price hikes. Due to COVID-19, many local authorities have suffered financially so there is logic behind these increases. While the price differences are generally minimal, feeling from those in the trade is that these price hikes disregard the state of the industry following the coronavirus pandemic.  

As anyone in the industry will tell you, the taxi and private hire trade has been hit hard. With industries such as hospitality and tourism being effectively closed for over 12 months, trade for drivers has almost completely disappeared. Myriad reports show that drivers working full days are not making enough to cover their own fuel costs, let alone their bills. And income potential is just one area where drivers have struggled.  

Taxi and private hire drivers, as well as chauffeurs have consistently ranked amongst the highest in mortality statistics by job sector. The fact that most drivers are from minority backgrounds, which are disproportionately affected by the virus, provides further fuel for the anger felt in many areas. 

Failings by government over the course of the pandemic have left drivers without clear guidance on face masks as well as struggling to access financial support. Following one of the worst years on record for the trade, it’s no surprise that the prospect of a price rise for licence fees is galling for many.  

Commenting, Alan McCarthy, Unite Unions Regional Officer, said: 

“Restrictions on hospitality, tourism and the consequences of people working from home to name but a few, have resulted in drivers not making ends meet...  

Not only have these vital earning opportunities been so scares for over a year, it’s acknowledged that it may take some time for consumer confidence to return to these areas, even in light of the vaccination program and without taking into account the risk of a third wave.  

It’s for this reason that so many drivers are vocally upset at the announcement of an increase in fees.” 

 
Fortunately for some, not all licensing authorities have committed to increasing prices due to fierce lobbying from opposition councillors and trade reps. Tunbridge Wells, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and a couple of other areas have voted down planned price rises as an acknowledgement of the decimation the trade has experienced over the past year.  

The only way that industry reps can hope to get these changes revoked is by appealing directly to local authorities. If you are concerned about price rises in your area, make sure you get in touch with your licensing authority so that you can be sure your voice is heard.  
 
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