Horsham District Council is consulting on revised maximum fares for hackney carriages across the district, with new rates proposed to come into effect on November 13.

The consultation runs from October 29 to November 12, 2026, giving residents and other interested parties an opportunity to raise objections to the proposed changes.

The revised fare table sets out maximum charges for taxis carrying between one and four passengers, as well as larger vehicles licensed to carry five to eight passengers. The rates vary depending on the time of travel and the size of the vehicle.

For taxis carrying up to four passengers, the proposed daytime fare for the first 710 metres, or two minutes and 52 seconds, would be £4.40. Each additional 124 metres or 30 seconds would cost 20p.

placeholder image — The revised fare table sets out maximum charges for taxis carrying between one and four passengers, as well as larger vehicles licensed to carry five to eight passengers. Picture by Hollie R

The night-time and public holiday rate would start at £6.40, with each additional 124 metres or 30 seconds charged at 30p.

A double daytime rate would apply during specified periods over Christmas and New Year. Under this tariff, the initial fare would be £8.80, followed by charges of 40p for each additional 124 metres or 30 seconds.

For larger vehicles carrying five to eight passengers, the proposed daytime starting fare would be £6.60, with additional charges of 30p for each 124 metres or 30 seconds.

The night-time and holiday starting fare for these vehicles would be £9.90, rising to £13.20 during the designated Christmas and New Year periods. Additional charges would be 45p and 60p respectively for each 124 metres or 30 seconds.

The council's proposals also include extra charges for passengers and luggage. For vehicles carrying up to four people, a charge of 50p may be made for each passenger above two. For larger vehicles, the same charge would apply to each passenger above six.

Luggage carried outside the passenger compartment could incur a charge of 50p per box or package. Assistance dogs would continue to be carried free of charge, and passengers would not pay extra to use a credit or debit card.

The proposed fare table also provides for a £100 soiling charge where a passenger damages or soils a vehicle, with the driver or proprietor entitled to recover cleaning or repair costs from the person responsible.

The proposed daytime tariff applies to journeys beginning between 7am and 11pm. The night and holiday tariff applies between 11pm and 7am and on national public holidays, except when the double daytime rate applies.

The double daytime rate would operate from 6pm on Christmas Eve until 7am on December 27, and from 6pm on December 31 until 7am on January 1.

The consultation is being carried out under Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

Anyone wishing to object to the revised fares must submit their objections in writing before the consultation closes on November 12.

Objections should be addressed to M. Rankin, Head of Environmental Health and Licensing, Horsham District Council, Albery House, Springfield Road, Horsham, RH12 2GB.

The revised fares are scheduled to take effect on November 13, unless objections are received and not withdrawn during the consultation period. In that event, the council will consider the objections, and the revised table, with or without modifications, would come into effect at a later date.

A copy of the public notice is available for inspection at the council's offices at Albery House, Springfield Road, Horsham.

You can keep up to date with all the latest information on planning proposals, traffic notices, goods vehicle operator licences, premises licensing, licences to sell alcohol and probate notices in your area at publicnoticeportal.uk.