Taxi fares across Erewash are set to rise later this month after councillors backed a proposal to increase the starting fare for journeys by £1.
The change was approved by Erewash Borough Council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee following a request from the taxi trade, which cited rising operating costs, higher fuel prices and wider cost-of-living pressures.
If no objections are received during the required consultation period, the new fares will come into force on 22 June 2026.
Under the proposed changes, the starting fare for a standard taxi journey would increase from:
- £4.50 to £5.50 during daytime hours (6am to midnight)
- £4.90 to £5.90 during night-time hours and on Sundays
- £6.50 to £7.50 on Bank Holidays and during Christmas and New Year premium periods.
The council considered several options, including increasing the mileage charge for every additional distance travelled. However, officers warned this could have a greater impact on passengers making longer journeys. Instead, councillors supported a flat £1 increase to the starting fare, which would add the same amount to every journey regardless of distance.
According to the report, taxi fares in Erewash have remained unchanged since June 2022, despite inflation rising by almost 24% during that period. Fuel prices and insurance costs were also highlighted as factors affecting drivers and operators.
Council officers said they were mindful that many taxi users are also facing financial pressures and noted that people on lower incomes often rely on taxis more frequently than higher-income households.
The proposed fares will now being advertised publicly. If objections are received, the matter will return to councillors for further consideration before any final decision is made.
What do you think? Is a £1 increase fair after four years without a fare rise, or are taxi journeys becoming too expensive?