TAXI drivers are infuriated that some have seen their annual licence fee rise by 300 per cent this year.
An operator’s licence for one car cost £25 last year, but in 2010 taxi drivers face paying £100 – a 300 per cent rise.
But anyone who wants contracted work from the council as an individual – such as taking children to school – must have an operator’s licence.
It has left taxi drivers angery at the charge, which they see as an added tax on getting work from Warrington Borough Council.
One driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The council is ripping off the town’s taxi drivers. It has sent us all letters informing us that it has increased operating costs by, in one case, 300 per cent for an operator’s licence for one vehicle.
“The drivers can’t do anything but pay it.
“This is its way of supporting the taxi trade through the recession? It’s a joke and unjust.”
Meanwhile, a driving badge for a taxi driver will go up in April from £28 to £72.
But then drivers also need to consider adding and extra £5 for a DVLA check an a £5 administration charge, making it £82 in total.
A further £5 charge has been added for administration for a Criminal Records Bureau check.
The taxi driver added: “It’s like they are playing Russian roulette with people’s livelihood.”
Barry Eaton, passenger transport manager for the council, said: “The council is required to recover all costs in relation to Hackney/private hire driver, vehicle and operator licensing to ensure none of these costs fall to the council tax payer.
“Some fees have not increased for several years thanks to the careful management of previously accrued reserves of licensing monies.
“Additionally, we have also increased enforcement activities to ensure that passengers receive a good standard of service and that guidelines are met.
“These increases reflect the costs required to administer the service and care has been taken to ensure that fees do compare with other local licensing authorities.”
source: http://www.thisischeshire.co.uk/