It WAS with dismay that I read of the proposed “variation” (surely the word “increase” would be more accurate) of taxi charges.

At a time where less domestic car use should be encouraged; at a time when the hospitality trade needs all the help it can get; in a county where large areas have little or no bus service; in a county where the taxis are already beyond the affordability of many, not to mention discouragement of drink driving; the increase in taxi fares is incomprehensible.

The way taxis are organised on the IW benefit the council through licensing revenue and the taxi companies themselves, most of which own one car and operate when and where they want.

The one group of people not taken into consideration is the general public of the IW.

In many places on the mainland, it is not uncommon to call for a taxi either by phone or mobile app and expect to get one within a few minutes.

Read more: Taxi fare charges plan revealed

The charges are affordable and the car stays in the garage. This, of course, leads to fewer private cars on the road, more taxi use, and as a result, more income for the local economy.

Please reject this poorly considered proposal that would be of no benefit to 99 per cent of Islanders.

I am frankly surprised that, considering the “market economy”, the council is allowed to control the cost of non-governmental services.

I wonder if they could set a minimum charge for bass guitarists (as a semi-retired bass guitarist myself).

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