London Taxi Fares

HC Deb 15 May 1992 vol 207 cc226-7W

Mr. Bendall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about London taxi fares and fees.

Mr. Norris

The Secretary of State has made an order increasing London taxi fares by about 6.1 per cent. on average with effect from Saturday, 30 May 1992. The new tariff will incorporate a minimum fare of £1, including an unchanged hire charge of 40p, for the first 873 yards or three minutes. The rate will then be 20p for every 291 yards or 60 seconds up to 6 miles and 20p for each 194 yards or 40 seconds thereafter.

The Secretary of State has decided that the calculations for any future increases should be based on the average earnings for the whole economy rather than the figure for transport and communication workers in Greater London which was used for the past two years.

The Secretary of State has also increased the fees for licensing London taxi drivers from £70 to £81 and for vehicles from £65 to £78. The increase will take effect on Monday 15 June 1992.