The City Council’s Licensing Panel has approved a request from the Coventry Taxi Association to charge two and half times the standard fare on the eve of the new millennium.

An earlier request to charge treble the standard fare had been rejected by the Licensing Panel on 11 March, and discussions with the Taxi Association resulted in a revised request for a lower fare.

Normally, cabbies in Coventry charge fare and a half on New Years Eve. But because this New Year’s Eve will mark entry into the new century, they have requested a higher than normal fare.

This will mean that the fare for a four mile journey this New Year’s Eve will be £14.50 compared with £8.70 on a normal new year.

Councillor Frank Carter, Acting Chair if the Licensing Panel said,

"This New Year’s Eve is going to be very special and many people are going to want to celebrate it. My understanding is that many pubs, clubs and other places of entertainment are finding it difficult to get staff to work and those that are willing to work are asking for high rates of apply. Taxi drivers are no different to other service providers and this year is a bit if a one off. However, I am pleased we were able to negotiate with the Trade Association for a lower fare rate than had initially been requested."

As part of the annual fare review the Licensing Panel have also approved a drop in the initial distance travelled before the fare goes up from the minimum £2.00 and the introduction of a 31.00 surcharge on bank and public holidays (excluding Good Friday, Christmas and New Year).