Operations Manager Martin Walker said: "Since Chads Cars was acquired by JEM Group in 2022, our strategy has been to grow the business and deliver better services and benefits for customers and drivers alike."

The system operates through WhatsApp and is intended to allow passengers to book directly with local black cab drivers.

The latest National Taxi & PH Driver Survey found over a third of drivers reported their job negatively affects physical wellbeing, while over a quarter reported a negative impact on mental health.

John Matkin was a true pioneer of Derby’s taxi industry and the founder of the business that became Chads Cars.

Under the new structure for journeys taken between 6am and 9pm from Monday to Saturday, the initial charge for the first 440 yards or first two minutes will jump from £4 to £4.50.

This financial recovery occurred even as overall turnover dropped from £88.1m to £59.5m, driven by a strategy to control manufacturing costs, which fell by over 24% compared to previous year.

The upcoming change aims to replace the varied pricing structures left behind by the legacy councils of Allerdale, Carlisle, and Copeland, which were combined when the new authority formed on 1 April 2023.

Plans to increase taxi fares in Blaenau Gwent have stalled after only three out of 118 licensed drivers responded to a public consultation.