
North Yorkshire Council is preparing to hike the maximum cost of taxi journeys by five per cent in a bid to help drivers cope with surging fuel prices.
The proposal, set for a vote on Tuesday, May 12, comes after Middle East conflicts pushed petrol prices up by more than 17 per cent and diesel by a staggering 42 per cent since 2024.
Under the plans, between 7am and 10pm, there would be an increase from £2.22 to £2.33 per mile, and £20.23 to £21.24 per hour waiting time.
The cost of taking a taxi between 10pm and 7am, including public holidays, would increase from £3.15 to £3.31 per mile, and £28.90 to £30.35 per hour waiting time.
Councillor Richard Foster, the executive member for licensing, explained that while the council understands passengers are facing higher costs, the hike is necessary to "incentivise those working in the trade."
He noted that the taxi sector provides a "vital boost to the economy" and is essential for tasks ranging from school runs to getting people home safely at night.
By setting these maximum limits, the council aims to provide "certainty, consistency and protection from unfair or unreasonable charges" for the public.
However, officials admitted there is currently no sign of fuel prices dropping, making this the first fare adjustment in two years.

Robert Mitchell, 36, was jailed for 30 months on May 8 after admitting to the attack, which was sparked by a dispute over a small upfront fare.

The incident, which occurred on March 23, reportedly began when the man questioned a taxi driver for parking in a disabled bay without a Blue Badge.

To mark its official launch in the city, the taxi firm enlisted the help of Darth Vader, a squad of Stormtroopers, and the Mandalorian to greet the public.

Stuart Thomas Sharp, 54, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court where he admitted to forging his taxi licence, badge, and vehicle plate to trick an operator into believing he was still legally allowed to work.

The Brent Green Party has launched a petition urging Mayor Sadiq Khan to suspend the pilot, arguing that the autonomous vehicles "do not meet the minimum safety standards" required for city streets.

Andrew Peters, representative for the Brighton and Hove Cab Trade Association, warned that the situation is now “interfering with the work of taxi drivers” as customers become too intimidated to use the rank.

A team of officers from Essex Police, the DVLA, and Uttlesford, Braintree, Chelmsford, Harlow and Wolverhampton council staff, pulled over 50 vehicles for inspection.

City councillors were told at a recent meeting that the South Gyle site should be operational by May or June once final "snagging lists" are completed.

Adil Aslam, the CEO of Alpha IOW, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 5 May, to appeal the council’s decision, claiming the move was not "proportionate."

Danyal Masood, 31, admitted to plying for hire and driving without insurance during a hearing at Lancaster Magistrates' Court.

During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 6, local leaders debated whether to scrap Cornwall’s six separate taxi zones in favor of a single, countywide area.

The couple, who had just arrived on a train from Cork, testified that Mr. Dongo shouted at them in an "aggressive and abusive manner" before winding up his window and driving away.

The dramatic incident, which occurred on May 1, was captured on dashcam showing the woman leaping onto the tarmac, sending her shoes and phone flying as following motorists braked hard to avoid her.

Annie Bruce-Low, who has run every Southampton Half Marathon since 2015, feared she would have to pull out of this year’s race after losing her usual transport to the starting line.

The attack took place on Ruskin Grove in the Sheepridge area on March 31, 2024, following what was described as a parking "dispute."

A Croatian company named Verne has launched what it claims is Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service, beginning a phased rollout in the city of Zagreb.

The driver appeared before a council sub-committee after collecting nine points on his license, including two offenses caught by the same controversial camera in Newton Abbot just four days apart.

It happened on Dubarry Avenue, at around 12:10am on Sunday 29 March.

If the plan is approved, Edinburgh will climb from the 19th to the 13th most expensive city for taxis in the UK, putting it on par with Glasgow.

Andrew Eburne, 51, from Hinkley, is set to be sentenced in June at Swansea Crown Court, after recently being found guilty of operating a fraudulent business - Doctors on Wheels Ltd.
