Taxi fares look set to increase in Crewe and further across Cheshire East - as drivers are hit by soaring fuel prices on top of the rising cost of living.

The council's licensing committee – which sets the maximum fares Hackney carriages can charge – considered increasing the rate yesterday (June 6).

A report to the committee stated: "A number of emails have been received from various parts of the trade requesting an increase to the fares.

Cheshire East Council's licensing committee discussed increasing the maximum taxi fare rate yesterday - June 6 (Belinda Ryan).

"Some suggested increases have been received and, where appropriate and proportionate, these have been included in the proposals before the committee.

"However, we must be mindful that many customers on low or fixed incomes rely on taxis for travel. The increase in fares must therefore be balanced against customer expectations."

The borough is split into three zones when it comes to taxis, based on the former borough council areas.

In the Crewe and Nantwich zone, the last increase was back in 2018.

Crewe and Nantwich charges more than the other two zones with hackney carriages at a rate of £4.40 for its first mile.

Nantwich Road, Crewe is a often filled with taxis coming and going from Crewe Railway Station and Nantwich (Crewe Nub News).

Congleton is currently charging a maximum of £3.10, with Macclesfield charging £3.40.

Because of a dispute over harmonisation years ago, fares in the Congleton and Macclesfield zones have not been increased since 2015.

Proposals to increase the first mile rate, would leave Crewe and Nantwich at £4.50, Congleton at £3.70 and Macclesfield at £4.

The increase in the second mile rate in all three zones is proposed to be 10p per tenth of a mile.

All these figures relate to the day time rate.

There are also proposals to increase these rates for night time – which is between 11.30pm and 7am – and Bank Holidays.

Proposals to increase the first mile rate, would leave Crewe and Nantwich at £4.50 (Nub News).

Again the night-time rate in each zone differs.

In Crewe and Nantwich it is currently £4.60 for the first mile and the proposal is to raise it to £6.

Congleton is currently £4.60 and it is pressed to rise to £5.50. In Macclesfield it is currently £5.10 and proposed to be raised £6.50.

The committee were asked to consider the report and resolve that the proposals for each zone are approved for publication and consultation.

The new fares will only come into effect once any objections, if received, have been considered.

Any change in fares only relates to Hackney carriage vehicles.

Cheshire East Council discussed the proposals at its Westfields HQ, Sandbach (Cheshire East Council).

The council has no power to set the fees in relation to private hire vehicles.

A decision is expected imminently - the meeting took place the the council's Westfields HQ, Sandbach.

READ MORE: Crewe MP votes against the PM in no confidence vote.

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(Ryan Parker and Belinda Ryan)