A consultation will begin later this month on proposals for hackney taxi drivers in Torfaen to be allowed to raise their fares by “about 20%”.

Drivers brought a proposal to the council in August 2022 for fares to rise for the first time in four years. The council’s licensing committee discussed the price rises at their last meeting and agreed it should to Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment.

Last Friday (16 September 2022) Cllr Owen agreed that the proposal should go out for public consultation. Drivers asked for the increases to cope with the cost of fuel rises and cost of living pressures.

A council spokesperson said: “Following a request from the trade to increase the Hackney Carriage fare tariff, the Executive Member for Environment has approved a report to launch a statutory consultation on a proposal to increase tariffs.

“The consultation, seeking views from members of the public, the trade and other interested parties, will run for 14 days from the end of September. The Council welcomes any views or comments on the proposals, which will be carefully considered to inform a decision.”

Hackney taxis can park at ranks and be hailed down on the street without pre-booking. They are black and have yellow door signs and plates.