
Maximum taxi fares in Argyll and Bute are set for a five per cent increase after a single response was received by council officers from operators across the area.
Councillors agreed unanimously to the proposed five per cent hike during a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, August 19.
The changes will see hires between 7am and 10pm carry a maximum starting price of £3.99, with an increase of 26p per 176 yards after the first 860 yards.
Hires between 10pm and 7am can now start at £4.78, with an additional 26p per 150 yards after the first 860 yards, while public holiday hires will feature a maximum starting price of £5.58 with an additional 26p per 120 yards after the first 860 yards.
The fares are required to be reviewed every 18 months, and the new scale is due to be implemented by Thursday, October 22.
The solitary representation received during a consultation period with operators expressed criticism of the proposed new fares.
Councillor Kieron Green said: “I note that there is one representation and to me, it does not really have a clear view. In my mind, that suggests that the proposed five per cent increase is largely supported and I propose we go ahead with it.”
Councillor Jan Brown added: “I have to agree. I am very disappointed as this is not the first time that we have had this low a response. I would agree with Councillor Green on the five per cent increase.”

David McKinlay had to appear before Fife Council’s Regulation and Licensing Committee on Tuesday, August 18, when his application to work as a taxi driver was considered.

Chris Woodroofe, has defended the facility's parking charges, which contributed significantly to the Manchester Airports Group making £453 million from parking - about a third of its total income.

Allun Wright, who previously received a one-year licence and a warning in April last year, found himself back before the committee after DVLA checks revealed speeding offences in May and November.

Craig Lucas pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury during a hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court.

Despite the suspensions, the regulatory sub-committee chose against revoking any of the four licences entirely.

The veteran cabbie, in his late 70s had worked in the trade since 1981, pleaded with city councillors for leniency, explaining that losing his permit would harm his mental health.

The operation across the City Ward targeted community issues and road safety.

The vehicle was pulled over while travelling southbound near Penrith after officers noticed it speeding in the outside lane.

The incident unfolded after the cabbie collected Gregor Thomson and a friend at 10.30pm on May 5, with the passengers asking to be driven to a pharmacy while demanding the driver “make it quick”.

Max Dangerfield overtook police officers on the A48 at Cross Hands at high speed and accelerated away when they activated their blue lights, before officers soon discovered the horrific collision scene.

Glasgow City Council's licensing committee rejected a local resident's request to revoke the historic rank on Queen Margaret Drive, which has served the area for over 70 years.

Robert Cretu, 40, submitted 30 fraudulent claims to five separate insurers for fictitious dogs that had supposedly died in tragic circumstances, netting a £31,700 between Dec 2023 and Aug 2025.

It served as a specialist transport provider for Worcestershire County Council, investing hundreds of thousands into custom vehicles and putting staff through safeguarding training

Alister Gill, who has held his licence since 2007, was spotted driving slowly with the driver's window partially down while holding a cigarette in his right hand before picking up a hire at an Aldi store.

Dominic Trynka-Watson, 40, had been dropped off at his home in Newton upon Derwent after taking a ride from York when the driver approached his door to collect the unpaid £26 eighty fare.

Police highlighted that taxi drivers hold a unique position to recognise concerning behaviour and offer reassurance.

Three vehicles failed due to a fuel leak, a tyre below the legal limit, and tyres severely lacking required pressure. The DVSA immediately prohibited all three from being used.

The revocations, between Oct 1, 2025, and Mar 31, 2026, followed serious motoring offences, disqualifications, illegally plying, insurance breaches, dishonesty and safeguarding issues.

Two long-serving taxi firms in Banbridge, Q Cabs and Bann Taxis, have officially closed their doors after decades of service and handed over their operations to fonaCAB.

The council explained that the adjustment "would retain the existing start fares but reduce the initial distance and time covered by those fares, resulting in fares moving to the next increment sooner."
