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Posted on the 5th June 2025 in PHTM News
EAST DEVON TAXI FARE OVERHAUL HITS THE BRAKES AMIDST DRIVER APATHY
Plans to introduce a more precise method for calculating maximum taxi fares in East Devon have been stalled due to a dismal response rate from local hackney carriage drivers.
Only six out of 135 licensed drivers participated in a district council survey designed to gather crucial data for future fare adjustments. This poor engagement means the council will revert to its existing, less accurate methodology for setting potential 2025 maximum fare levels, relying on inflation and comparisons with other councils.
The council had hoped to adopt the "Guildford method," a data-driven approach designed to ensure fare changes more accurately reflect the realities faced by taxi drivers. However, without sufficient input from the trade, this move has been put on hold.
"It's slightly ironic because over time we have been trying to make our methodology as accurate, useful and helpful for the trade as possible, but the trade hasn't responded," commented Cllr Joe Whibley, chair of the council’s licensing and enforcement committee.
"So, what we’re [essentially] doing is making it even simpler than before and less accurate and less meeting the needs of drivers, but that’s where we are."
Anecdotal evidence suggests some drivers felt last year's 10 per cent fare increase was sufficient, despite the East Devon Taxi Association having sought a 15 per cent rise.
Other concerns included potential misuse of the data – though the council stressed it would only be for fare setting – and the costs and time associated with recalibrating meters for new maximum fares.
According to PHTM, East Devon's taxi fares already rank among the highest in the country, placing 31st out of 341 local authorities. The current two-mile fare on tariff one in East Devon stands at £8.69, significantly higher than the national average of £7.30.
Cllr Olly Davey underscored the importance of reliable information, stating: "With accurate data it should come out with a really good formula, but I don't think we should do it with poor quality data."
Despite the setback, the council has vowed a "concerted effort" to gather more data from drivers over the next year, with the aim of reconsidering the Guildford method for future fare reviews.
Proposed maximum fares and charges for 2025 will be brought back to the committee later this year and will be subject to a 14-day public consultation.
It's important to note that even if new maximum fares are set, drivers are not obligated to charge them and can opt to charge less.
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