Hinckley taxi drivers seeking fare increase to cope with rising costs and Uber competition

The Hinckley Area Taxi Association (HATA) has officially requested an increase in fares for hackney carriages. The move is in response to rising operational costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance, which the trade body claims are making it increasingly difficult for drivers to sustain their services.

The matter is further complicated with HATA describing how the region is losing drivers to ridehail giants Uber who are ‘flooding’ the area. It is hoped that a more completive tariff will help retain drivers.

The last fare review by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council was approved in 2022. However, with current fares placing the area 266th out of 364 authorities across the UK, the association is pushing for an uplift to bring tariffs in line with other districts.

The proposal sets out two potential fare structures. In the first, the basic Tariff 1 fare would rise from £2.80 to £3.20, while the second proposal suggests a slightly higher increase to £3.40.

Councillors are set to make a decision in the coming weeks, with any changes requiring public consultation. Should objections arise, the matter will be reconsidered, but without objections, the new fares could be introduced swiftly.

Officials emphasised that taxi fare regulations are designed to protect consumers while ensuring drivers remain incentivised to offer reliable services. Any adjustments will follow legal procedures to safeguard both public interest and the trade.