Brighton and Hove considers taxi fare increases

Brighton & Hove City Council is considering a proposal to increase taxi fares for licensed hackney carriages. If approved, a two-mile daytime journey could cost £9.30, up from the current £8.70.

The taxi trade has requested the increase to combat rising operational costs, including fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, and regulatory compliance under the council’s ‘Blue Book’ standards. Drivers also noted that current fares have not kept pace with inflation or the rising government living wage.

The proposed changes include increasing the daytime rate by approximately 30p per mile and raising the hourly waiting-time charge by 50%, from £20 to £30. To mitigate the impact on short trips, the trade suggested maintaining the £3 initial meter charge while reducing the distance required between subsequent fare increments.

If implemented, Brighton and Hove would have the third-highest two-mile fare among comparable local authorities, remaining below Eastbourne and Arun. The council noted that despite the increase, night tariffs would remain comparatively low compared to other authorities.