Taxi users in Gwynedd face having to pay more for their journeys after calls to increase the maximum charge for the first time in eight years were approved.

A report, passed by Gwynedd’s General Licensing Committee this morning, proposed raising the maximum cost of a two-mile journey in a hackney cab from £5 to £6 following complaints from taxi firm owners.

The move follows a decision by the authority in June 2018 to hike the cost of licences for both drivers and operators in order to cover the council’s own administrative overheads.

It will be the first maximum fare rise since 2011.

The cost of a journey of one mile or less is currently £3, but would rise to £3.60 under the proposals.

But according to Gwynedd Council, the proposed £6 charge for a two mile journey would bring the county in line with neighbouring Anglesey, and was recommended following requests from Gwynedd taxi company owners.

The cost of a similar journey in Conwy is currently £5.20, £6 in Denbighshire, £6.20 in Flintshire and £7.20 in Wrexham.

The maximum fare does not apply to journeys made in private hire vehicles booked in advance, however, with no additional charges proposed for drivers having to wait, or fees for carrying additional bags.

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