The traffic commissioner has ruled maximum taxi fares can rise by 7%
Scotland’s traffic commissioner has almost doubled a proposed rise in taxi fares due to increasing fuel prices.
Joan Aitken said she believed an increase in maximum prices was "overdue" in the Scottish Borders.
Ms Aitken said there was clear evidence that the rise in fuel costs was not a "blip" and fares will now rise by 7% from 25 June.
Taxi operators in the region wanted prices to rise higher than the council’s proposed increase of 3.9%.
David Cox, a taxi operator from Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, had objected to the council increase saying there had not been proper consultation.
There is very clear evidence of an increase in fuel costs and it is within general knowledge that such fuel increases are not likely to be a blip as some have been in the past.
He said the authority had not taken into account rising fuel prices estimated at 30% in recent times.
An appeal hearing was held in Galashiels earlier this month and now the traffic commissioner has agreed there was a case for a greater increase in maximum fares.
"There is very clear evidence of an increase in fuel costs and it is within general knowledge that such fuel increases are not likely to be a blip as some have been in the past," she said.
"I can regard the level of fuel increases as a reality."
Totally dependent
It means operators can now charge £4.76 for a two-mile journey instead of the current £4.26 fare and £11.91 for a seven-mile trip compared with the existing £11.28.
These charges, however, are maximum fares and operators are still entitled to charge less for journeys.
The traffic commissioner was also critical of SBC in her judgment.
She said consultation was undertaken far too late and said it had failed in its role as an economic regulator with power and control over the livelihood of others.
She pointed out taxi operators cannot award themselves an increase to reflect cost increases and are totally dependent on the council.
Mr Cox, who runs Peeblesshire Taxis and had the support of 41 drivers with his appeal, said he was delighted with the outcome.
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