A REVIEW of Dorset Council area taxi fares is expected to be held later in the year.

It follows a request from a a taxi company for a review, suggesting that the first mile rate be increased by 40p, and each subsequent mile by 20p more.

The company has also asked for the introduction of a booking fee.

Maximum taxi rates for the Dorset Council area, excluding Weymouth and Portland which has its own rates, were last changed in April 2022.

A Dorset licensing committee is now being asked, as a result of the request, to decide whether to start a review of maximum fees and charges, initially with drivers and taxi firm owners, followed by a consultation with the public on suggestions which might arise from the ‘trade’ consultation.

Existing Dorset hackney carriage maximum fees are currently set in three bands – 7am until 11pm; 11pm until 7am and an even higher rate on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The current ‘basic’ day rate is made up of a £3 initial charge; £4.50 for the first mile and then £2.80 for each additional mile, with the 11pm to 7am rates at £4.50 initial charge then £6.60 for the first mile and £4.20 for each additional mile.