TAXI drivers licensed in Barnsley are set to see their fees increase again this year with prices higher than in Rotherham and Doncaster and broadly in line with Sheffield.
Last year, a review of the Hackney carriage and private hire drivers, operators and vehicle licence fees was conducted with an increase of ten per cent confirmed.
At next week’s meeting, councillors are set to discuss new proposals which will see the fees increase even further.
Currently, a driver pays the council £150 for a one-year licence and £240 for three years this is set to increase to £165 and £264 respectively.
Operators will see their fees rise by £12.60 for one year and £25.40 for five years and drivers will also see a further £18 increase on their vehicle fees.
The three-year driver fee is broadly in line with Sheffield Council’s £268 and much higher than the £228 in Rotherham and £206 in Doncaster.
A report states: “As part of this exercise, consultation has taken place with representatives from the local authority finance department who have confirmed the methodology used and the fees calculated are reasonable.
“It is anticipated that the fees will be reviewed in 12 months following the officers’ continued time monitoring and therefore the anticipated level of income generated will be subject to a further report.
“Officers will continue to work closely with the private hire and or Hackney Carriage Associations via the trade liaison group and the planned changes have been communicated accordingly.
The report added that the council has been conducting a number of checks to vehicles in the town centre but the increase in fees are not used to help patrols.
It said: “The licensing team has sufficient resource to enable the team to respond to requests for service and operate more proactively as public safety remains our top priority.
“There continues to be an increase in the number of proactive and reactive compliance checks conducted in relation to driver, vehicle and operators.
“Officers currently conduct detailed time monitoring which has been used to inform a full review of the licence fees.
“An assumption of the future number of licences issued is based on current numbers of licences issued.
“Whilst licences may be surrendered throughout the year, new applications will be received and this is monitored to ensure we have a representative figure.
“It should be noted that the cost of enforcement against licensed drivers is not recoverable in fees and must be borne by the council.
“Enforcement costs must be based on the principles of good regulation and set out in an open and transparent way.
“Fees cannot be used for enforcement action against drivers, as an economic deterrent or to raise funds.”
A consultation exercise will take place from February 13 for 28 days if no objections are received then the fees will come into force from March 13.
