Taxi in Peterhead

consultation on proposed changes to taxi charges

Aberdeenshire Council launch consultation on proposed changes to taxi charges

North-east residents are being encouraged to participate in a consultation on proposed new taxi charges.

Local authorities are required by law to review the charging scale and Aberdeenshire Council has consulted with the trade and developed a new scale for the public’s consideration.

The Aberdeenshire Council launch consultation on proposed changes to taxi charges is now live until October 4, 2024 and can be accessed at

https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/taxi-fare-scale-consultation

Among the proposed new charges, which would come into effect on December 1, 2024 are the following:

	Standard	Late Night	Festive Season
First 880 yards or part thereof	£3.00	£4.30	£4.60
Each additional 1/11^th part of a mile or part thereof	£0.22	£0.22	£0.33
Waiting time per 10 seconds	£0.11	£0.11	£0.11

Standard Rate

Applies at all times out with the Late Night and Festive Season Rates which are detailed below.

Late Night Rate

Applies (a) Mondays to Thursdays from 10pm to 6am the following day; (b) Weekends from 6pm on Friday to 6am on Monday; and (c) Public Holidays from 6am to 10pm these being the 3rd of January, Good Friday and May Day.

Festive Season Rate

Applies (a) between 6pm on the 24th of December until 6am on the 27th of December; (b) between 6pm on the 31st of December until 6am on the 3rd of January; and (c) Weekends in December from 6pm on the Friday until 6am on the Sunday.

Multiple passenger surcharge

In vehicles so licensed carrying more than four passengers, a surcharge of 50% of the above fares may be charged.

Booking Fee

£0.50

Airport booking fee

Taxi drivers may add any current charge incurred at airports when either dropping off or picking up passengers. Drivers must make passengers aware in advance that extra charges may be added to the fare. Booking fees are to be shown on the meter.

Unacceptable mess

Passengers are carried on the understanding that the driver may charge a passenger, creating an unacceptable mess in the taxi, a maximum of £100.

Anyone wishing to make representations regarding the proposals which apply to taxis only and not to private hire cars, may do so within one month by way of our online consultation or by writing to us at: Licensing, Taxi Fare Review, Viewmount, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2DQ.

Aberdeenshire Council launch consultation on proposed changes to taxi charges

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Support for taxi and private hire drivers

New fund to support for taxi and private hire drivers affected by the pandemic will launch this week.

New fund to support taxi, Local authorities will directly approach an estimated 38,000 private hire and taxi drivers inviting them to claim a £1,500 grant to assist with fixed costs, boosting the support from other funding for loss of income available through the Scottish and UK Governments.

A new total of £57 million has been allocated by the Scottish Government – three times more than the allocation announced in December.

Councils will start contacting eligible drivers this week to brief them on their potential entitlement and ask them to provide supporting information and bank account details. They do not need to apply, or contact the local authority.

Support for taxi and private hire drivers

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said:

“We know how difficult this pandemic has been for taxi drivers and their families. They’ve truly gone the extra mile, continuing to provide a vital service for key workers and vulnerable individuals throughout the lockdown and beyond.

“Following the introduction of tighter regulations at Christmas I have trebled the budget originally announced for this fund to £57 million, enough to provide grants of £1,500 to all of Scotland’s 38,000 taxi and private hire drivers.

“It will help to support the taxi trade by augmenting existing support and assisting drivers in meeting fixed costs including licence plate fees, rental fees and insurance payments for taxis not on the road.”

More details and full eligibility criteria Coronavirus (COVID-19): Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund