LONDON CAB FARES SET TO RISE BY UP TO 10%

12.01.00am GMT Thu 20th Jan 2005

Figures revealed today by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats show that the Mayor is poised to hike taxi fares up by as much as 10% in three months time.

The figures, taken from Transport for London papers, show that the minimum fare in a taxi will rise from £2 to £2.20 across the capital - an increase of 10%. The proposed increase will complete the above inflation hikes on every form of public transport the Ken Livingstone controls in the capital in the 7 months since he was re-elected as Mayor in 2004.

London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone, said:-

"It seems no area of transport is safe from Ken Livingstone trying to bleed more cash out of Londoners. Another bitter blow is set to be struck by a Mayor who seems intent on squeezing as much cash out of London's travelling public as he can.

"I am seriously concerned that allowing fares to rise even further could lead to more people using unlicensed minicabs because they are considered the cheapest form of transport to get home on a late night.

"If the Mayor was given the chance I wouldn't be surprised if he called for a tax on walking. Time and again he told the public that fares would only increase in line with inflation. Just months after re-election he has hiked up every type of fare he can.

"This message from the Mayor is simple and stark. If you travel in London, be prepared for to empty your wallet."

ENDS

Notes to editor

Figures are taken from Agenda Item 8, Appendix 2, Page 8 of the TfL Surface Advisory Panel papers of the 18th January 2005

For a full example of fares please e-mail [email protected]