Licensing
Taxi tariff consultation
We are proposing to increase taxi tariffs to help drivers with the cost of living.
Why we are consulting
Section 65 of the of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 permits Licensing Authorities to set the maximum fares that Hackney carriage vehicles (taxis) can charge the public when using their vehicles.
The current fare tariff was agreed in 2014 however, since this date, fuel prices, cost of living and inflation have increased significantly, and it has now become necessary to review the current tariff to reflect these costs and to ensure that taxi operators are fairly paid to continue providing this vital service.
Before any published fares can be increased, we must undertake a consultation with the trade and public by way of placing a public notice in a local newspaper. It must then take into consideration comments received before determining whether to agree the proposed tariff.
Notice
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 – Section 65.
Notice is hereby given that Epping Forest District Council intends to authorise an increase in the table of fares for journeys by Hackney Carriages and metered Private Hire vehicles in accordance with the schedule set out below. Providing no representations are made, the changes will take effect from 28 February 2024.
Maximum taxi tariff
Rate 1 – Monday to Saturday 6am to 10pm
- Fare up to 1,760 yards (1,609m) or part thereof – £4.50
- For each additional unit of 176 yards (160.9m) or part thereof – £0.30
- Waiting time – for each period of 40 seconds or part thereof – £0.30
Rate 2 – Monday to Friday 10pm to 6am, 10pm Saturday to 6am Monday, all day on bank holidays
- Fare up to 1,760 yards (1,609m) or part thereof – £4.70
- For each additional unit of 176 yards (160.9m) or part thereof – £0.40
- Waiting time – for each period of 40 seconds or part thereof – £0.30
Rate 3 – For hiring on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and after 6pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve
- Fare up to 1,760 yards (1,609m) or part thereof – £5.10
- For each additional unit of 176 yards (160.9m) or part thereof – £0.50
- Waiting time – for each period of 40 seconds or part thereof – £0.30
Rate 4 – For hiring on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and after 18.00 on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve
- Fare up to 1,760 yards (1,609m) or part thereof – £6.50
- For each additional unit of 176 yards (160.9m) or part thereof – £0.60
- Waiting time – for each period of 40 seconds or part thereof – £0.30
Summary of charges
- Rate 1, up to 4 passengers, minimum daytime fare is £4.50 for up to 1 mile, thereafter, charged at £3 per mile in £0.30 increments
- Rate 2 can be used as a night / Sunday rate or if a multi seat vehicle carrying in excess of 4 passengers during daytime
- Rate 3, double fare commonly used at Christmas / New Year Holiday period or when a multi seat vehicle carrying more than 4 / 6 passengers during night time Sunday hour
- Rate 4 only to be used by vehicles carrying 6 to 8 passengers on public holidays
Summary of additional charges
- Waiting time is £27 per hour, in 30p increments (90 x 40 second periods = 1hr i.e., 3,600 seconds)
- Assistance dogs – no additional charge
- All other dogs, carried at drivers’ discretion – no charge
- Fouling of vehicle at the discretion of driver, up to £80
How to reply
Anyone wishing to make representations on the proposed increase must do so by 31 December 2023:
- Email Licensing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk with Taxi Tariff Consultation in the subject line
- In writing to: The Licensing Team, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ