Fares for traditional taxis in Newport may go up for the first time in four years under fresh plans being considered.

Councillors are anticipated to begin a public consultation regarding updated charges for hackney carriages, which are vehicles available for immediate hire either on the street or at official taxi stands.

A council document reveals the association representing local hackney carriage operators submitted a request earlier this year, prompting proposals for a tariff boost ranging from 15 to 17 percent.

The council’s licensing manager described the suggested uplift as justified, particularly given ongoing financial pressures, notably fuel costs, and the absence of any fare adjustment over the past four years.

The report highlights that since the previous pricing revision in 2022, Britain has experienced substantial rises in both diesel and petrol expenses.

The document states that considering these various pressures, the trade’s application for higher fares appears legitimate, and a consultation should proceed to gather opinions from the wider industry and passengers who utilise hackney carriage services.

The local authority possesses only the power to establish the highest permissible charges, meaning drivers retain the option to apply discounted rates.

Should the proposals gain approval, the increased tariffs would exclusively affect roughly 80 hackney carriages operating within the city, leaving the more than 1,500 additional taxis and private hire vehicles currently licensed in Newport unaffected.

An outcome on these plans is anticipated before the month concludes, with a public consultation to be initiated provided the relevant cabinet member endorses the fee review.