A PUBLIC consultation to have your say on new taxi tariffs has now launched.

At a recent extraordinary meeting of Wiltshire Council's licensing committee, members approved changes to the county-wide five-tier taxi tariff system currently in place, but agreed the amendments should be put to public consultation so residents can also have their say.

As previously reported, the proposals suggest that hackney carriages with up to four seats should use tariff one between 6am and 9.59pm, tariff two between 10pm and 5.59am and tariff three all day on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and bank holidays.

The authority has also approved that vehicles with more than four seats should run tariff two between 6am and 9.59pm, tariff four between 10pm and 5.59am and tariff five on the same public holidays as listed above.

It has been agreed that an additional 30p will be added to all flag rates.

According to the council this should encourage more people to use taxis during the early hours, and in turn help to safeguard people as they return home from pubs and clubs.

Salisbury Journal:

Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for transport, said that there are "differing needs" across the county, but the proposed new tariffs "represent a compromise on the feedback [the council has] had from taxi operators and businesses in these areas".

She added: “The current tariffs have been in place since 2015, and following feedback from businesses around the county, this is the right time to make these changes.

“We have been holding discussions with stakeholders in both the taxi industry and the night-time economy for the past two years, and have taken their feedback into account when creating these new proposals.

“We hope these proposals will bring a number of benefits, as they will ensure taxi charges are comparable to our nearest neighbouring authorities; they will encourage more people to enjoy the county’s night-time economy; and they will reduce the number of people walking home late at night, which will make nights out even safer for residents and visitors to Wiltshire."

The consultation will run for two weeks, until February 20.

Following the consultation, it is anticipated by the council that the updated system will be implemented in the summer.

If significant changes arise during this stage however, proposals could return to the licensing committee.

To take part in the consultation click here.