Taxi fares in West Lothian will be frozen until November next year.
According to the Daily Record, the decision followed a consultation among operators who were divided between backing an increase and those who thought it would hurt business.
Objections and division remain within the trade, with some suggestions that fares need to rise similarly to neighbouring Falkirk, by up to 10 per cent.
One operator said that keeping fares at the same level fixed in 2022 would mean drivers were "working for below minimum wage."
There was also criticism of the council's public consultation process, which was launched in local media following consultation with the trade in January.
This week's meeting of the executive approved a motion put forward by council leader, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, which said: "Council Executive notes the consultation and representations received, and approves an unchanged fare table for metered hires between 22
May 2024 and 21 November 2025."
There are 61 taxi licences in effect and 49 operators. Some operators hold more than one licence. Three bodies representing the trade met with council licensing officers in January to discuss proposed increases - West Lothian Taxi Owners Association (TOA);
West Lothian Taxi and Private Hire Car Owners and Drivers Association and The Fellowship. Members of the first two groups voted to retain the current tariffs.
A total of 25 votes were cast for retention of current tariffs while seven votes were cast by members of the Fellowship in favour of rises.
The number of taxi operators has fallen drastically since the Covid lockdown. Strict government regulations regarding the types of access for disabled passengers mean taxi operators have to spend in excess of £50,000 for a suitable vehicle.
A council spokesperson confirmed that unless the decision by the Executive is appealed by the holder of a taxi licence the proposed fare table will see rates remain as they currently are for the next 18 months following completion of the statutory review and consultation with relevant licence holders.
The council is legally required to carry out a review of taxi fares every 18 months. The fare structure will now remain uncharted until November next year.
The updated fare table will be published on the West Lothian Council website in due course: https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/taxi-and-private-hire-cars
Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/taxi-fare-freeze-agreed-west-32615732???????
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