Taxis in Castle Point could be among the most expensive in Essex under new proposals put forward by hackney carriage drivers.

Members of Castle Point Council's licensing committee agreed to the increases, which could see travellers paying out up to £6.20 for a journey of four miles, an increase of 11 per cent on the previous price of £5.60.

Licensing officer at Castle Point Council Jonathan Appleby said this would bring taxi fares in Castle Point in line with those in Rochford and Southend.

However, it will make journeys in the borough among the most expensive taxi rides in Essex. A four-mile trip in Basildon costs £5.80 while travellers in Harlow only have to fork out £4.80 to travel the same distance.

David Maud, the Transport and General Workers Union representative for taxi drivers in the borough, told the council the increases were necessary to cover the costs of fuel and motor insurance.

He said: "We feel it is necessary to apply for an increase due to the large amounts we have endured in our overheads, such as fuel increases of 65 per cent in the last year, 25 per cent in motor insurance in the last year, and many others.

"We feel although these increases are very steep we cannot pass them on to the general public, but a small increase would be acceptable."

Taxis in Southend and Rochford charge £6 for a four-mile journey - 20p cheaper than in Castle Point.

Mr Appleby said: "The point of the increases was to bring taxi fares in Castle Point up to the same level as those in Southend and this is what we have done."

The proposed fare hike will be advertised in the press in the next few days and anyone with objections to the increase will have 14 days to lodge any complaints.

By Isabel Gompertz

Reporter's e-mail: isabel.gompertz@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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