COUNCILLORS want to hear from more taxi operators in Argyll and Bute, after agreeing to start consultation on minimum fares in the area.
The authority is required to review the minimum fares for taxis every 18 months, and the process is now due to begin again. Any changes to minimum fares will apply from October.
The last review saw councillors decide in December 2024 that a 10 per cent increase to minimum fares would be applied from April 2025.
But fewer than 10 per cent of local taxi operators across the area responded as part of the consultation when it took place.
The decision to proceed with the consultation was made by the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee at its meeting on Wednesday, April 22.
Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) asked: “Can we send out reminder letters to consultees if they do not respond at first?”
Solicitor David Walker responded: “We could. We do write to all operators inviting comments, but I saw from the last review that there was a lower number than expected.”
Councillor Blair then said: “It is important to get the press release out, but also to get a list of who has responded, because very often it is the same taxi drivers complaining who have not responded. We need to ensure we join the dots up.”
Councillor Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh and Lomond South) asked: “Is there any indication from the public about what they think of the fares?”
Mr Walker responded: “The Act (section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982) refers to the consultation with operators.”
