Getting a taxi in the Vale of Glamorgan could be about to get more expensive, if plans to increase fares are approved this week.

An average fare rise of 7.45 per cent is being proposed for all taxi journeys across the Vale of Glamorgan.

It would mean taxi fares for up to four people on a 10-mile journey, such as from Barry to the centre of Cardiff, would cost £22, up from £20.85, on a Monday to Saturday between 6am and 11pm. 

That same journey, if it was made between 11pm to 6am every day or on a Sunday or bank holiday, would cost £26.75, an 11.9 per cent increase from the previous tariff  £23.90.

The proposed changes, which will also affect short-distance journeys, was due to be considered by the Vale of Glamorgan council’s cabinet as we went to press last night (Wednesday June 6).

Steve Thomas is chairman of the Vale of Glamorgan Taxi Association, which is supporting the changes

In a letter to the council he said: “The average rise that we are proposing is seven per cent.

“The last rise was 2011 that means we are requesting a rise of only one per cent per year.

“I think you will agree this is not excessive, especially when you consider the rises in the cost of living, and the major rises in the running costs the drivers and operators now have to pay ie. parts, fuel, insurance etc.”

All other charges, such the waiting time which is currently at £16 per hour,  and for cleaning the interior of a vehicle would remain the same.

Under the current fares, the Vale of Glamorgan is the 201st cheapest area for a two-mile taxi fare out of the 370 local authorities in England and Wales.

If the fares increase as proposed, it would mean the Vale would be 154th in the two-mile taxi fare league table.

A public consultation would be held if cabinet approves the plans.