Posted on the 16th September 2026 in PHTM News
BRIGHTON & HOVE TAXI FARES SET FOR A HIKE TO TACKLE SOARING COSTS
Brighton and Hove taxi drivers are urging the council to raise fares to help them cope with the spiralling costs of running and maintaining their vehicles.
A report going to Brighton and Hove City Council's cabinet highlights industry worries over surging fuel prices, steeper insurance premiums, and the expense of meeting strict local regulations known as the "blue book".
Drivers argue that fares have failed to keep pace with inflation, causing Brighton and Hove to slide from 14th down to joint 39th place in PHTM's Hackney Fares Table. The trade is now pushing to climb back up to 14th.
Explaining the financial pressure, a statement from the taxi trade included in the report said: “With the government living wage rising to £13.45 per hour, fares need to support drivers in achieving this income. For example, a driver working on a 50/50 arrangement will need to earn at least £30 per hour to collect living wage, particularly if they also cover fuel costs.”
The proposed changes would keep the initial starting fee the same, but allow the meter to click over more quickly by shortening the distance and time intervals. Under the new plans, the basic fare would start at £3 and increase by 30p every 160 yards, reduced from 176 yards, while waiting times would tick up every 36 seconds instead of 54.
Night tariffs would begin at £4 from 9pm until midnight, or from 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays, while the late-night rate between midnight and 6am would start at £5, alongside higher festive charges over Christmas and the new year.
Backing the changes, the council report recommended the increase to the cabinet, stating: “Even with the proposed increase, Brighton and Hove would remain broadly in line with comparable local authorities, including Lewes and Worthing, rather than becoming an outlier nationally.
"The proposed tariff also continues to represent good value for passengers travelling at night. Unlike many authorities that apply a night tariff of up to 1.5 times the daytime rate, Brighton and Hove’s tariff structure applies only a modest supplement to the initial fare, meaning the city’s evening and overnight charges remain comparatively low.
The proposed increase is therefore considered both proportionate and necessary to support a viable, accessible and sustainable taxi service.”
If the cabinet gives the green light to the proposals, a public consultation will be launched before the new fares officially take effect.
The cabinet is scheduled to meet at Hove Town Hall at 10.30am on Thursday, 17 September, with the proceedings available to watch via a live webcast.
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