Inverness taxi firm 'could be forced out of business if fares do not rise'
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Highland Council’s licensing committee is set to decide new taxi rates tomorrow.
Current prices were set in November 2018 and new rates are proposed to take effect from April 30, subject to any appeals being lodged.
Up to three per cent could be added to fares.
During the consultation period, Sneckie Taxis called for prices to go up by more than 20 per cent to help cover costs.
However the majority of operators were against any rise, with more than 200 drivers signing a petition calling for the status quo.
In his latest letter of representation to the council Raymond Munro, the managing director of Sneckie Taxis, expressed fears that he would be forced to close down if no rise was imposed.
In his submission he said: “Failure by the committee to increase taxi tariffs in 2020 will become the straw that breaks the camel’s back and will force our company out of business as taxi operators with the loss of around 40 full-time jobs.”
However a second submission, from someone known only as J Lee, claimed taxi fares in the Highlands were already too high, adding: “At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask.”
