Follow PHTM
Posted on the 5th June 2025 in PHTM News
CHICHESTER TAXI DRIVERS FACE ANOTHER FEE HIKE AS COUNCIL SEEKS TO BALANCE BOOKS
Taxi licensing fees in Chichester are set to increase by a further 10 per cent, following a decision by the district council to address a significant deficit in its licensing operations.
The move comes after a forecasted shortfall of £23,700 in the council's hackney carriage and private hire vehicle licensing budget. Legally, these costs are meant to be fully covered by income from fees and charges.
This latest increase follows an 18.5 per cent rise that just came into effect on April 1st of this year.
The decision was made during a meeting of the general licensing committee on Wednesday, June 4th. While acknowledging the disappointment, Councillor Tim O’Kelly stated: "I do understand the need for the council to balance the books and that the fees charged need to reflect the amount that it costs us to do the work."
However, the news has been met with strong opposition from some in the taxi trade.
A spokesperson for Starline Sussex Limited, a local operator, expressed their dismay, saying they were "appalled" by the decision. They added: "This will no doubt affect the trade in Chichester in addition to recruitment as drivers will look to other areas who have more favourable fees."
Starline Sussex Limited also criticised the council's past approach, arguing that if officers had increased fees annually – noting there had been no increase since 2016 until last year – the council would not be facing its current financial predicament.
The fee increases will see the cost of a one-year dual hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence rise to £216 from the current £196.71 (up from £166 before April). A one-year renewal will now cost £174.50, up from £158.79 (£134 before April).
For three-year licences, the cost will increase to £481.50 from £437.86 (£369.50 before April), with renewals rising to £439.50 from £399.94 (£337.50 before April).
Despite a consultation in March and April that saw over 700 emails sent to drivers and operators, only 14 responses were received. The majority of these responses conveyed a consistent message: another rise in costs would force them to question the sustainability of continuing to operate in Chichester.
Read another story
- FAMILY ASTOUNDED AFTER NO ACTION TAKEN AGAINST UBER DRIVER ACCUSED OF NOTTINGHAM ASSAULT
The incident, which was partially filmed, has left the family questioning the justice system.
- MAN TO COMPENSATE DARLINGTON TAXI DRIVERS WHO HE TARGETED IN RACIALLY ABUSIVE TIRADE
A Chilton man has been handed a community order after admitting to racially abusing and threatening two taxi drivers in separate incidents.
- PLYMOUTH LEADS UK WITH OVER 300 TAXIS NOW CARRYING LIFE SAVING BLEED KITS
The latest significant rollout saw an additional 200 kits distributed to drivers at Plymouth Train Station’s taxi rank.
- PROTESTS AT TFL BOARD MEETING AFTER PH DRIVER DIED AMID LICENSING BACKLOG CHAOS
Protesters in the public gallery repeatedly called on Mayor Khan to "remember Rob Dale," asserting that Mr. Dale "had a heart attack due to the licence delay."
- CRESTA TAXIS SCOOPS UP COMMUNITY SUPPORT WITH FREE ICE CREAM AND CHARITY DRIVE
The event will unfold at Cresta's offices, with ice cream served from 12pm to 3pm this Saturday, June 14, in Connah's Quay, and on Sunday, June 15, in Mold.
- MIDLOTHIAN TAXI DRIVERS CALL FOR FARE INCREASES OF UP TO 20 PER CENT
Midlothian Taxi Owner’s Association (MTOA) has called on the council to consider introducing fares which mirror Edinburgh and say costs have increased significantly since the last review in 2022.
- TAXI DRIVER'S ORDEAL BOTTLE WIELDING MAN DAMAGES VEHICLE IN NOTTINGHAM INCIDENT
The incident, which occurred on April 26 at approximately 8:15pm, saw the driver's window struck and his registration plate damaged.
- DERBY'S TAXI AGE LIMIT SPARKS OUTCRY AHEAD OF COUNCIL HEARING
The policy, enforced since April, has sparked a protest rally and deep concerns among drivers who fear it could jeopardise their livelihoods.
- TEENAGER CHARGED WITH DRINK DRIVING AFTER TAXI STOLEN IN BIRMINGHAM
West Midlands Police reported that the vehicle was stolen by Alfie Mooney, 19, on Bromford Lane, Hodge Hill, shortly after 2am.
- NELSON TAXI DRIVER ORDERED TO PAY OVER £500 OVER ASSISTANCE DOG REFUSAL
Mohammed Sohail Akram pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates’ Court to the offence.
- MILFORD HAVEN TAXI DRIVERS ORDEAL: COUPLE JAILED FOR KNIFE AND NEEDLE ROBBERY
A Pembrokeshire taxi driver has spoken of enduring nightmares and profound family fears after being robbed at knifepoint and pricked with a needle by a couple in Milford Haven last October.
- BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL REVOKES 18 TAXI LICENCES AMID SURGE IN DRIVER OFFENCES
This figure marks a significant increase compared to the 11 revocations made in the same period last year.
- EDINBURGH'S BELOVED TAXI OUTING BRINGS JOY AND COLOUR TO CITY STREETS
The long-running Edinburgh Taxi Outing made its way through the city centre on Tuesday morning 10 June, as drivers donned their cabs with colourful balloons.
- LONDON GEARS UP FOR ROBOTAXI REVOLUTION AS UBER ANNOUNCES SELF DRIVING TRIALS NEXT SPRING
This comes after the UK government fast-tracked plans for fully AV pilots, allowing companies to operate small-scale taxi or "bus-like" services without a safety driver for the first time in Europe.
- TEN TAXIS INSPECTED IN SOUTH RIBBLE CRACKDOWN, ONE DEFECT NOTICE ISSUED
As part of National Licensing Week 2025, ten licensed taxis in South Ribble underwent inspections by local police and South Ribble BC aiming to ensure compliance with taxi licensing laws.
- PARKING PANDEMONIUM: ILLEGAL PARKING NEAR TAXI RANK SPARKS ROW IN WORCESTER
A simmering dispute over illegal parking near a Worcester taxi rank has boiled over, with a cycling group calling it a "massive problem" and a councillor labelling it an "anti-taxi campaign."
- CONSULTATION ON TAXI VEHICLE SAFETY LAUNCHED IN PENDLE
Pendle’s Taxi Licensing Policy has been updated to improve safety standards in vehicles and Pendle Borough Council wants your views on the proposed changes.
- CCTV APPEAL AFTER TAXI DRIVER THREATENED IN CORBY
Police officers are appealing for help to identify three men they believe may have information regarding an incident in which a taxi driver was threatened.
- TEN WORCESTER LICENCES REVOKED IN THREE YEARS WITH MYSTERY SHOPPER INITIATIVE UNDERWAY
Worcester City Council has revoked the licences of ten taxi drivers over the past three years, signalling a firm stance on maintaining high standards and enforcing regulations within the city's taxi services.
- TAXI DRIVER SUSPENDED IN WARRINGTON LICENSING CRACKDOWN
A multi-agency enforcement operation in Warrington town centre on Saturday evening, June 7, led to the suspension of one taxi driver and the delayed suspension of two others.
