Tightening up on Taxi Fares in Stratford District

No-one likes being ripped-off, and this year, following several complaints about the taxi fares being charged in the District, Stratford-on-Avon District Council has carried out its own check. 

Following the issuing of a letter to all Hackney Carriage drivers re-iterating the rules regarding charging fares in Hackney Carriages*, and after legal consultation, Stratford-on-Avon District Council carried out "Test Purchases".  

The "Test Purchase" involved officers simultaneously hiring 4 random taxis and comparing the fares charged to that set by the District Council. As a result, the District Council is seeking advice in order to decide what line of action to take regarding 2 purchases, of which legislation regarding pricing was breached.  

"A Taxi Licence is issues by the District Council to ensure that vehicles and drivers offer a safe service to members of the public and that the charges levied are in accordance with the Council's agreed Fare Structure. Matters of overcharging are something which is taken very seriously by the Authority and any further incidents of this nature will be investigated with a view to prosecution," says Michelle Baird, Licensing Manager for Stratford-on-Avon District Council.  

Members of the public are advised to check the taximeter is set at the beginning of the journey. The fare for the journey will then be calculated on the meter as a factor of distance and time. If you would like any further information, please contact the District Council's Licensing team on 01789 260211.