Fuel bill taxi fare rise ruled out

Published on Wednesday 11 June 2008 10:28

A BID to increase taxi fares in Edinburgh to help struggling cabbies pay their massive fuel bills has been put on hold.

Drivers had urged the council to introduce an "interim" increase of 20p on all starting fares while a full review is carried out on the incremental charges.

However, councillors have ruled they need to consult further within the trade before giving the increase the green light.

It is not known how long this process will take, but a full fares review is likely to take months to complete.

The last review took place last November, when prices were frozen at May 2006 levels.

Fares currently start at 1.50 before 6pm on weekdays, and 2.50 at night and at weekends, rising in increments of 25p based on time and distance.

The council has no legal obligation to carry out another review until May next year, but the convener of this Friday's regulatory committee, SNP councillor Colin Keir, last week said he was "sympathetic" to taxi drivers' plight.

Taxi drivers have told the News their wages have plummeted by up to 3000 a year, as they pay for more expensive fuel.