A HUGE hike in taxi fares of almost 27 per cent has been agreed in the Borders.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) reviews rates every 18 months and must consult with operators and members of the public on any proposals to change the taxi fare tariff.

A formula to determine variations in taxi fares was agreed between the trade, the traffic commissioner and the local authority.

The last review concluded in August 2019.

A further review was due to be held in 2021, however, operational pressures and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic delayed it.

Discussions with taxi operators highlighted the financial pressures facing the sector due to increasing costs and delays associated with the review.

Operators are reporting cost rises of around 144 per cent to their businesses associated with increased operational costs, including insurance, fuel and wages.

When members of SBC’s decision-making Executive Committee met on Tuesday (December 3) they agreed an increase of 26.7 per cent.

Members also endorsed a rise in the cost of a vehicle valet from £70 to £100.

It is probable the increases will come into force in early February 2025.

Kelso & District councillor Tom Weatherston “reluctantly” supported the huge hike, saying: “I think as a committee we are in a very difficult position today and to coin a phrase, we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“I am very aware that taxi operators have been placed in a very difficult position. I spoke to one last night and he’s really struggling and he said without this rise he’ll probably fold.

“On the other had I can see the impact this will have on the public using the service, but if you haven’t got a taxi you haven’t got a service anyway, so I’m reluctantly going to support this.”

Selkirkshire councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol added: “I know people think taxis are very expensive but it is a privilege not a right. You don’t have a right to a taxi. It’s not a human right.

“We are now at a stage that we have artificially held quite frequently the levels of increase down. We all know how much fuel has gone up.”