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Posted on the 15th May 2026 in PHTM News

NORTH YORKSHIRE CABBIES WARN INDUSTRY IS AT RISK AS COUNCIL WEIGHS SMALL FARE RISE

Taxi drivers in North Yorkshire are warning that many are earning less than the minimum wage as they battle soaring fuel costs caused by the ongoing war in Iran.

While North Yorkshire Council has proposed a five per cent increase across all fare bands, drivers argue the hike is far too low to keep their businesses afloat.

At a meeting in Northallerton on Tuesday, May 12, councillors agreed to start a public consultation on the plan, which would see standard mile rates rise from £2.22 to £2.33; waiting time charges increase from £20.23 to £21.24 per hour and an increease in evening and weekend tariffs, with tariff three rising from £4.20 to £4.41 per mile.

However, industry leaders say these figures don’t reflect the "reality" of modern costs.

Lisa Ridsdale, general manager of the taxi firm Take Me, told officials that after paying for vehicle maintenance and fuel, drivers are often left with poverty-level wages. She noted that while the council promotes a living wage for its own staff, they "seem quite happy to allow us to be below that."

The struggle is particularly acute in rural areas where public transport is limited.

Ms. Ridsdale warned that if fares do not rise significantly, drivers will quit, leaving residents without an "essential" service for hospital appointments and work.

Richard Fieldman, representing the North Yorkshire Taxi Drivers group, criticised the council for failing to offer "emergency assistance" as fuel prices spiked daily following the start of the conflict in February. He has called for an immediate increase of at least 20p to the "flag fall" starting rate and a pro-rata increase for tariffs two and three.

Council leaders defended the five per cent proposal, with Councillor Simon Myers stating it "struck the right balance" between helping drivers and keeping travel affordable for the public.

He described the plan as a "proportionate and evidence-based response" to the crisis.

Members of the public and the taxi trade will now have the opportunity to submit formal objections before a final decision is made.

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