CONSULTATION on plans for a hike in Island taxi fares will begin on Friday.
Residents will be able to share their thoughts on the proposal with the Isle of Wight Council during a 21-working day period of consultation.
Now, firms can only charge a set amount when starting a journey and also per mile depending on the time of day but the new proposed tariff structure would see an adjustment in prices.
The consultation period ends at 5pm on January 13.
Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for licensing Barry Abraham said: "It is important taxi fares on the Isle of Wight are fair for both the consumer and the businesses.
"The current pricing structure has been in place since April 2004 and a lot has happened since then in respect to fuel costs, insurance and general living costs and we feel it's the right time to look again at the fares and seek the views of the public."
An online questionnaire can be completed at www.iwight.com/surveys/hackneycarriagefares2009 or a paper copy can be obtained from the Licensing Section, Jubilee Stores, The Quay, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2EH or on 823159.
Under the plans, the prices would be adjusted as follows:
TARIFF 1 (0800 - 2230)
£3.00 (£3.00 current fare) for the first mile or part of a mile then 50p (40p current fare) every subsequent quarter of a mile. Waiting time every 60 seconds will be 40p (30p current fare) and the cost for each additional passenger over four will be 50p.
TARIFF 2 (0600 - 0800 and 2230 - Midnight)
£4.50 (£4.50) for the first mile or part of a mile then 65p (60p) every subsequent quarter of a mile. Waiting time every 60 seconds will be 65p (45p) and the cost for each additional passenger over four will be 75p.
TARIFF 3 (Midnight - 0600)
£6.00 (£6.00) for the first mile or part of a mile then 85p (60p) every subsequent quarter of a mile. Waiting time every 60 seconds will be 85p (60p) and the cost for each additional passenger over four will be £1.00.
Fouling of a vehicle will be a charge of up to £70 (£60).