§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proposals they have to improve the availability of taxis in London, particularly at night time; and [HL429]
Whether the regulation of London taxi fares takes account of the comparison between fares in London and those in New York, Paris and Berlin; and whether London fares are higher. [HL463]
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)London taxi fares are set by the Secretary of State on the basis of a formula, established after consultation with the taxi trade. The formula reflects the operating costs of a taxi in the circumstances of London. The extra charges which taxi drivers add to each fare between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. were increased by 50 per cent in April. However, we are conducting a research study into the supply of, and demand for, London taxis, especially at night, to help form further consideration. The study is not yet complete; results will be published.