Bosses of taxi firms in Shropshire today spoke of their fury at plans to put up licensing fees by up to 60 per cent next year which, they say, could lead to some firms quitting the business.

The industry, along with businesses such as animal boarding kennels and sex shops, will face cost increases under proposals announced by Shropshire Council, which says its charges are currently well below those of neighbouring authorities.

Fees are due to rise from next year with further increases also expected for the following three years.

Steve Slater, part owner of Vincents Taxis in Shrewsbury, today claimed that the increases were unfair and could lead to some firms in the area quitting the industry.

“Why do they want to put up fees when it’s not meant to be a profit-making organisation?” he said.

“I don’t see why it should cost us any more if it’s not costing any more to produce the plates.

“It’s such a huge rise in the first year and I think they are going through a similar thing in Telford which their drivers are up in arms about.

“A lot of people will come out of the industry. They are struggling to make a living as it is with the current amount of taxis in the town,” he added.

“The people who will suffer are the customers as we will inevitably have to increase our fares.”

Rob Mansfield, proprietor of R&J Taxis in Shawbury, said that he also believed the move could put some taxi firms out of business.

He said: “A 50 or 60 per cent increase on licensing is one hell of an increase. I think it’s going to put a few taxi drivers out of work especially as we are facing increases for everything at the moment.”

Members of Shropshire Council’s strategic licensing committee backed a number of amended recommendation’s at a meeting on Wednesday.

A final decision on whether the increased fees can be implemented will be made by the full council in the New Year.

A report to councillors ahead of the meeting said fees “must not be set at a level that generates profit, but the licensing team is not currently operating at full cost recovery.”

By Russell Roberts