Posted on the 15th April 2026 in PHTM News

NORTH DEVON TAXI FARES SET FOR 26 PER CENT JUMP TO HELP STRUGGLING DRIVERS

North Devon Council has approved a significant hike in taxi fares as local drivers struggle with the rising cost of living and expensive fuel.

The flag rate, will rise from £3.10 to £3.90 following a four-year freeze on prices.

Taxi drivers pushed for the 26 per cent increase after calling an earlier proposal of £3.60 "disappointing."

One driver even labelled that smaller suggestion "an insult" given how long they had waited for a raise.

Larger vehicles carrying five or more passengers will see their starting rate jump from £4.70 to £5.85.

The struggle to make ends meet was a major factor in the decision. One driver reported earning just £57 over five shifts after spending half of their income on fuel. They noted that their 14-year-old son earned more from a paper round and "hadn’t spent £1,400 on qualifying."

"Most daytime fares are short journeys and as a result, the starting rate is the single most important factor in determining whether a driver can earn a sustainable income," another driver explained.

They warned that many drivers are currently making just £6 to £8 an hour before expenses, which is "well below the national minimum wage."

To protect drivers against future price spikes, a new 20p surcharge will be added to journeys if fuel costs rise above £1.70 a litre. Further 20p increases will trigger every time fuel goes up by another 5p.

While the council increased the waiting time fee from 25p to 30p per minute, they decided not to raise the cost per mile, fearing that elderly passengers on fixed pensions would be unable to afford it.

Councillor Simon Maddocks described the higher increase as a "safety net" during a volatile economic period.

However, not everyone was happy with the process. One driver expressed frustration that the new rates must still undergo a public consultation, stating: "I have never heard of any company large or small asking the public whether a rise should be granted – this needs to move on with the times."

The new fares are expected to take effect in July, though drivers can choose whether or not to implement the full increase.


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