Ref. Ian BeareCABBIES are warning that proposed new fare hikes could drive them onto the road to ruin.

Yesterday, Swindon Council confirmed that it is considering making changes to the way cabbies charge customers for journeys.

It followed a meeting attended by around 20 drivers earlier this month.

If proposals become reality, customers will be hit with steeper fares from November 1.

But Ian Beare, who has been driving cabs for 10 years, claims the vast majority are against the plans.

At the centre of the row is the "click over" rate. Currently, passengers can expect higher fares to kick-in when the metre hits £11.20.

This is used to cover the expenses incurred on the return leg of the journey.

But under the new proposals that threshold will be lowered to £7.20.

Swindon-based drivers say this will seriously impact on trade to outlying areas such as Highworth, Chiseldon and Purton, which are currently within the limit.

Now Mr Beare fears black cabs may be forced out of the market.

He said "This will definitely have a direct impact on our trade and many drivers will go out of business as a result.

"Fares will be extortionate and we could be out-priced by private-hire drivers, who do not have metres.

"Those customers that do still decide to take taxis will be kicking-off about it.

"I want to make it clear that the vast majority of drivers are not for this."

Also included in the proposals, is an increase in the "start rate" or minimum fare.

At present, this stands at £1.40. Under plans, this will rise to £1.90.

While Mr Beare believes this increase is needed, he believes other changes which also include a rise in the cost of carrying luggage are not acceptable.

"We want our fares to more realistically reflect other authorities," he said.

"The start rate in north Wiltshire is £4 so this is not too bad. But the majority of drivers believe that these other changes are not needed."

Customers last saw rises in March 2002. Mr Beare said this hit drivers hard.

"Trade is well down," he said. "If objections are not raised there is every chance that these proposals will go through."

His brother, Paul Beare, also a cabbie, agreed.

Black cab driver, Tony Johnson, is spokesman for the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU). He said he has real concerns over the proposals.

"I believe the minimum fare does need to increase because we haven't had one for two or three years now," he said.

"Prices of petrol and maintenance are going up and fares do need to reflect that.

"This increase, effectively onto the front of fares, will not make too much of a difference.

"We have to find a happy medium but we must not touch the click over rate. If we do there will be big problems."

Passengers are not happy at the thought of fares rising. Stephanie Bunn, of Draycott Road, Chiseldon, is an occasional user of taxis.

A 10-minute journey from her home to Swindon station currently costs under £12.

"Taxi fares are already expensive without these increases," she said. "I dread to think how much the fare would cost me if these proposals go through."

David Coates, of Swindon Council, said: "We know that there have been some objections raised in relation to these proposals and those will be taken into account."

Kevin Shoesmith