Eastbourne Borough Council's licensing committee last week approved an option to revise the format of the fare tariff card, which determines how much people pay for using Hackney carriages.

The option removes all the extras drivers can charge for peak and off peak journeys, luggage and other charges and was proposed by independent driver Martin Reeves and only supported by six per cent of the trade. The new tariff card will see an increase in general rates with no extras.

Mr Reeves says the current fare tariff is confusing for the public and there has been overcharging by unscrupulous drivers.

But other drivers say they are against that option because it will penalise the town's taxi travelling public as well as the drivers themselves. They want to see other options, which were better supported but thrown out by the committee, explored.

Taxi driver Mark Bigsby said, "I feel I must express my concern in the strongest possible terms that the views of the majority have been flagrantly ignored. I believe the impact this will have on my customers, many of whom are elderly and travel alone, will be quite phenomenal."

Another driver, Brian Bigsby, said, "How can it be fair when to take an elderly lady to buy her weekly groceries will cost an equal amount as taking three burly men, three suitcases and a dog the same distance?"

Driver Lee Gatton, who runs an eight-seater wheelchair accessible vehicle, said it would also discourage drivers from working unsociable hours.

"We will be discouraged from Sunday and Bank Holiday working as there is no incentive for any taxi to work these times," said Mr Gatton. "This will result in one less eight-seater wheelchair accessible vehicle out working."

Mike Leeves added, "I find this decision absolutely incredible.
"We, as stated by the council, have to display in each vehicle a copy of the current fare tariff.

"Now this, when read, could not be much clearer and does not confuse the public.

"If this current change does indeed take place, then it will be penalising the single travelling person and therefore drivers will cherry-pick the work. This will also lead to drivers not working unsocial hours, therefore affecting the current high level of service we offer. If you work unsocial hours in other industries you get paid more, so why should we not?"

Richard Doxford questioned the need for change.

"The current tariff system has been in existence for many, many years and has been deemed by many councillors, over many years, the fairest and most just system for charging the fare paying public," said Mr Doxford.

"At the meeting the councillors were not interested in any of the advice given to them by the taxi trade. In fact, they ignored it all.

"Eastbourne currently has very high and professional standards within the taxi trade and is the envy of many a town.

"The council is trying to implement an unfair tariff structure for the taxis which will have an adverse effect on both the travelling public and the trade in general."

The council has given drivers eight weeks to work together to come up with rates for the new tariff card.