Taxi drivers are unhappy at having to charge a higher rate on Senior Race Day, it has been claimed.

The Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC)came under fire in the House of Keys on Tuesday, over its increases to the maximum tariff, which it imposed for all bank holidays, including Senior Race Day.

David Ashford (Douglas North) reacted angrily when Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said the RTLC reported only a ’small number’ of taxi operators were unhappy with the inclusion of Senior Race Day.

’I think the RTLC needs to actually get out and speak to their operators,’ said Mr Ashford, ’because I have spoken to two dozen of them in the last couple of weeks and I have found only one in favour of the changes that the RTLC has put in place.’

The maximum fare tariff went up this year, for the first time since 2013.

Mr Ashford asked also Mr Harmer what the reaction from the public had been to the RTLC’s decision to include all bank holidays in the ’Tariff 2’ rate for taxis.

Mr Harmer said there had been no comment from the general public.

He added: ’Tariff 2, which is set by the RTLC, is the maximum fare that a taxi driver can charge.

’There is no obligation to charge that amount.

’Indeed, the same operators who provided negative feedback about Tariff 2 stated they probably would not charge the maximum fare themselves.

’Nearly all taxi operators run their own business and determine what fare they charge, provided it is below the maximum fare set by the RTLC.’

He said the RTLC reviewed its fares every year, so there was an opportunity to review the tariff early next year.

Mr Ashford said the differential between the maximum fare and the lower Tariff 1 was increasing.

’Prior to this change in 2017, the differential between Tariff 1 and Tariff 2 for a mile was 28 per cent, now it is 40 per cent.

’For two miles, 35 per cent, now 48 per cent. For five miles, it was 38 per cent difference, and it is now 54 per cent difference.’

Some taxi drivers had no option but to use the maximum tariff, he argued.

’With the changes in meters that have just gone into all the taxis, a lot of the drivers can no longer change the tariff,’ he said.

’The tariff actually ticks over on the meter automatically, as with the time of day.’

He called on Mr Harmer to ask the RTLC to conduct a review of tariffs ahead of next year. Mr Harmer said that he would talk to the RTLC, an independent tribunal body of the government with responsibility for regulating the transport of passengers.