TAXI fares in Dorset, outside of Weymouth and Portland, are likely to go up – after a request from cabbies.

They say that rising costs; of fuel, insurance and repairs and maintenance; means an increase is needed to keep up with inflation.

Fares in Weymouth and Portland, which is regulated separately from the rest of Dorset, went up in the summer of last year.

A 14-day consultation will be launched in the coming weeks to seek public views on the proposals before coming back to a Dorset Council meeting for a final decision.

Licensing committee chair Derek Beer, agreeing to go ahead with the consultation, said that in many rural areas taxis were a vital part of the public transport provision.

He said that although the maximum fare might rise as a result of the exercise, the maximum fare was a ceiling amount and drivers could charge less than the maximum.

Cllr Gill Haynes said she was concerned that any rise agreed would have an impact of those on lower income who relied on taxis – but said she equally recognised that taxi drivers needed to make enough to survive.

The proposals seek no change in the initial charge of £3 from 7am to 10pm and £4.50 from 10pm to 7am, but would increase the first mile charge from £4.40 to £4.80 on day rates and from £6.60 to £7.20 on evening rates.

The ’subsequent mile’ rates would increase from £2.80 to £3 daytime and £4.20 to £4.50 on evening rates.

Current Weymouth and Portland area taxi fares include a two-mile payment of £7.60, similar to neighbouring areas, apart from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, where the two mile rate is £8.20.

The Weymouth and Portland increase, agreed in June 2023, added 20p to the first mile and 10p to each subsequent mile – although as in the rest of Dorset taxi drivers can charge less if they choose to.