COUNCILLORS have approved an increase in taxi fares in the town.

The taxi and other licensing committee discussed a report on the hackney carriage table of fares at its meeting on Tuesday.

The report highlighted the details of a seven per cent fare increase across all tariffs – which the committee was recommended to approve. The committee approved the seven per cent increase.

At its meeting in July, the licensing committee agreed to adopt the table of fares if no objections were received to the consultation.

A report to the committee said evidence has been sourced from the Automobile Association, which shows average fuel prices as at February 2023. It states that fuel prices continued to increase during 2022 and currently ‘remain stable’ at February prices.

It added: “Fuel, insurance and vehicle repair costs have steadily increased; impacted by ongoing geo-political events including the continued Ukraine war.

“As of March 2023, the average fare in Warrington (tariff one for a two-mile journey) is £5.70 which, compared to all 350 authorities in the UK in 2022 was ranked at no: 277 but has since dropped back to 320 in the price comparison chart compiled by Private Hire and Taxi Monthly.

“This is mainly owing to the other authorities increasing their fares in 2022.”