Ref. 12452/1TAXI drivers have reacted angrily to plans by Kennet District Council to increase their fees by more than 200 per cent.

The first that Devizes taxi drivers knew of the impending changes was when the Gazette showed them a council press release on Monday.

The changes, due to be brought in on April 1, would result in taxi drivers paying £95 for an annual vehicle licence, up from £70, and paying for a driver's licence every year instead of every three years. The driver's licence currently costs £32 and under the new arrangements it will cost £50 for an initial application followed by £35 for renewal.

Private hire operators would also have to pay for an operator's licence annually instead of every three years. This licence currently costs £77 for three years. The new charge will be £40 a year.

Taxi drivers who are over 60 also have to pay out for an annual medical to ensure they are fit to drive, which will cost about £70.

Kennet argues that the cost of the fees it charges taxi drivers is below those of many other authorities. It said a public notice was put in the Gazette but none of the taxi drivers the Gazette spoke to had seen it.

Dave Hollister, owner of Devizes Taxis, said: "There should have been more consultation over it and Kennet should have held a meeting with us to discuss the various increases."

Arthur Dickinson, 62, who owns Ace Taxis, said: "Kennet don't help us one little bit. Since it moved the taxis from outside Lloyds Bank in the Market Place my trade has dropped by at least 50 per cent. These new charges are a big increase."

Ray Fielding, 63, who owns Ollie's Taxis, said: "It's a big increase. It's wrong they can do it. They haven't called us together to discuss it."

Rudolph Reeves, 62, who owns Astra Taxis, said: "It's a steep rise. Kennet should have spoken to us and let us know what was happening before putting out a press release."

Derek Lambourne, 46, owner of Del's Taxis, said: "It's totally disgusting, I'm sure Kennet doesn't want taxis around here because they don't do anything for us. They have promised us decent taxi ranks and signs but we have not got them."

John Knight, Kennet environmental health officer, said the council was only required to advertise the proposed changes in a public notice. But on Tuesday taxi drivers had letters explaining the changes and inviting them to a meeting.

He said the decision to propose increased fees had been made by Andrew Hart, Kennet's financial services manager, and did not have to be discussed by councillors.