Taxi fares look set to go up in East Devon.

East Devon District Council's licensing committee has agreed a new table of maximum fares for hackney carriage vehicles licensed by the council. The new fares reflect an increase of about 10 per cent to all tariffs and extras.

The proposed changes seek to balance journey costs with the need for drivers to earn a sufficient income. The taxi industry has been hit by rising vehicle maintenance costs, higher insurance premiums, increased road tax expenses, and escalating prices of second-hand vehicles.

Councillor Joe Whibley, Chair of EDDC’s Licensing Committee, said: "The committee has to balance making taxi journeys affordable for the public with the simple truth that the cost of operating a taxi is not protected from the huge rises in the cost of living we have all experienced in recent times.

"By permitting firms to raise their maximum fare, but limiting that rise to 10 per cent, we think that balance has been struck."

East Devon District Council is informing residents about the proposed changes through public notices at EDDC offices and in local newspapers, in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

The council is asking for any representations on the increase to be submitted in writing by June 5.  Submissions can be emailed to licensing@eastdevon.gov.uk or posted to The Interim Chief Executives’ Office, C/o The Licensing Team, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.