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28/02/2023 13:39
The home of expert financial advice in Tunbridge Wells • Mortgages LOVE OF LITERATURE: Schoolchildren including those at Claremont Prep, celebrate the 26th annual World Book Day event around the local area by dressing up as their favourite literary characters. For more pictures, see page 4
Cabbies urged to accept card payments By Lilly Croucher TAXI drivers in Tunbridge Wells are being ‘encouraged’ to accept card payments and to not always insist customers pay in cash. The Borough Council has been forced to act after passengers have been left frustrated by drivers who insist on cash payments to avoid paying costly card transaction fees. Customers have complained on social media about being turned away from taxis when they cannot pay in cash. A poll by this newspaper showed that 84% of those who responded to our question had experienced ‘cash only’ drivers.
However, Tunbridge Wells taxi drivers have explained how the costly transaction fees, signal ‘cold spots’, and bank payment disputes have affected their business.
‘The fees on card payments for drivers is very high, which is why many only accept cash’ Taxi driver, Clayton Berry of Cleggy’s Taxi told the Times: “The fees on card payments for drivers is very high, which is why many only accept cash. We get
charged 1.79 per cent for taking card payments and up to 2 per cent on an international card like Amex. “Taxi drivers are already paying for licensing, petrol, and the vehicle, and this is another cost on top. “We are stuck to the meter price, set by the Council and we cannot increase our fares to cover the extra cost, unlike private hires can. Toni Conlon, of Tunbridge Wells 888 Taxis, told the Times: “We are having to pay up to 3.5 per cent on some transaction fees and I don’t know how many other people have to put up with that.
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