When Do Taxis Charge Double in UK?

Certain times come when taxis might charge more than the usual fare. Such unexpected rates can become a reason for disputes between passengers and drivers. You might observe such a situation during peak hours, special holidays, and late-night rides. This is because, most of the time, passengers are not aware of the extra charges. This can cause confusion and frustration. Not understanding additional charges for a larger group of passengers, extra waiting time, and tolls can also lead to such problems.

The best way to prevent such unwanted scenarios is to increase your knowledge about local fair policies. If you are booking a ride on a particular day, it is important to inquire about the taxi rates per mile. Taxis usually charge double to compensate for the higher risk associated with specific situations. It is also common during peak hours when demand is high. It ensures drivers and taxi companies are paid fairly for their services.

Taxi Fare Setting for Hackney Carriages

Taxis that you can hail directly from streets or specified locations are known as hackney carriages. Sometimes, they are also called black cabs. There is usually no pre-booking with such taxis. They have to get a license from the local authorities and follow a fare structure they set. These authorities are responsible for designing and implementing a tariff system. Such pricing models are crafted after considering the following factors:

·     Cost of running a taxi

·        Distance and time

·        Ensuring a reasonable living for drivers

·        Maintaining affordability for passengers

·        Particular occasions and times

Transport for London(TFL) in London set and reviewed taxi tariffs and fares. TfL has come up with four varying tariffs in London. These are explained below:

• Tariff 1: It is valid for working days from 05:00 to 20:00, excluding public holidays
• Tariff 2: It is valid for working days from 20:00 to 22:00 and for Saturday and Sunday from 05:00 to 22:00
• Tariff 3: It is valid from 22:00 to 05:00 on any day or on special occasions
• Tariff 4: It is valid for a journey that might exceed six miles

It is important to note that the above tariffs will not apply if the journey extends beyond the boundaries of the town or city.

Taxi Fare Setting for Private Hires

Private hire taxis are different from hackney carriages. Also known as minicabs, these taxis are available for pre-booking services. You cannot book private hire taxis directly from roads, streets, or ranks. There is a special kind of licensing for these taxis and drivers that differs from that of the abovementioned service. There is also a difference in regulations that govern private hires. The tariff rates are not valid for private hires.

Private hire taxi companies calculate taxi fares using a taxi fare calculator. The ones that refer to taximeter employ the same tariff structure as set for hackney carriages. Contrarily, some services follow an operator-defined plan. The fare is agreed upon when passengers book these minicabs. Three prime factors that affect the fare of private hires include distance, time, particular services, and special occasions.

Common Scenarios for Double Charges

There are multiple scenarios when taxis might charge double or quite more than the normal fare. These additional charges are justified due to an increase in demand or particular challenges faced by the drivers or taxi companies during these occasions. A fare increase compensates your service provider for the special services they offer during such times. The following is the list of common scenarios for double charges in the United Kingdom:

Late Night Rides

Booking or hailing a taxi for a late-night ride is one of the most common scenarios for double charges. Increased fare is incurred to compensate for various challenges that your service provider might have to face. These include inconveniences like enhanced operational costs and working late at night.

There is a reduced availability of drivers due to the risk associated with almost empty streets. Drivers might also have to go through the difficulty of finding passengers, waiting longer than usual routine, and ensuring safety for passengers and themselves.

Public Holidays

You might observe an increase in taxi charges during public holidays. During such times, there is a surge in the demand for taxis. There is an increase in traffic congestion and waiting time.

This results in the consumption of more fuel and skyrocketing operational costs. Additionally, most drivers feel reluctant to work during holidays. To attract more drivers, high incentives become necessary, leading to high wages.

Peak Hours

Peak hours are the specific times when there is a sudden surge in demand for services and taxis. For example, during the start and end of the workday, you might see such a high demand. The early morning hours are 07:00 to 09:00 AM, and the early evening hours are 04:00 to 6:00 PM.

During these times, traffic is highly congested which leads to increased waiting time and fuel consumption. It also essential to note that peak hours might vary depending on a particular location and other factors.

 Waiting Time

It is a common thing for taxis to charge double for increased waiting time. This is because such a situation might cause various inconveniences for drivers and operators. A reduction in efficiency is one of the prime contributors to enhanced charges. While waiting, drivers are not generating income because there is no distance coverage.

Rather, they either stay still waiting for the passengers or roam idly in traffic. These factors might also affect ongoing costs, such as vehicle wear and tear and increased fuel consumption. Due to the combined influence of these elements, you might have to pay more than the usual routine.

Special Locations

If you are journeying to special locations, you might see an increase in the fare. These locations include airports, train or bus stations, and remote tourist destinations. There are multiple reasons for this enhancement, such as:

• Requirement for additional resources
• Increase in waiting time
• Longer traveling distance
• Additional charges imposed by local authorities

That is why your taxi company or private hire taxi company might charge double due to the inconvenience incurred by the above issues.

Specific Occasions

These are specific occasions when taxis charge more than usual. This increase is not random but a pre-defined tariff to make up for significant disruptions. The cost associated with it is usually higher, and operational challenges might increase. There is also a surge in demand for service, waiting time, and fuel consumption. Here is the list of special occasions during which taxi charges hike

• Christmas
• Thanksgiving
• New Year’s Eve
• Easter
• Valentine’s Day
• Halloween
• Public Parades and Holidays

During these times, there is a rise in family gatherings, traveling to public attractions, outings, and outdoor activities. Consequently, an increase in demand and traffic is certain, causing a rise in taxi fares.

Making Complaints about High Taxi Rates

If you are not happy with the pricing, you can file a complaint using the proper channel. First of all, you can talk to the driver to resolve the issue. If you are still upset, there are different ways to make a complaint about hackney carriages and private hires. For hackney carriages, you can contact the local Government authorities. On the other hand, if there is such an issue with private hire, you contact the operator or the company that arranged the service or the taxi council with which the private hire taxi company is licensed. 
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