Council licensing chiefs are tightening up rules over meters in minicabs.

Officers at Braintree Council say more private operators are now using meters - leading to a "potential for problems".

Hackney carriages are already covered by strict laws over fares and meters, but there are no rules covering other minicabs.

But in future minicabs fitted with them will have to make sure the meter and a copy of the fare structure can be seen by passengers.

The new laws will also make it illegal for drivers to tamper with meters

Licensing enforcement officer Peter Kilburn stressed the moves did not mean private hire companies had been misusing meters.

"There is no suggestion people are being ripped off or that anybody has been doing anything wrong at all," he said.

"We just want to prevent the possibility of it happening. It is all about transparency.

"When you get into a vehicle, it is only right you have got some idea of what it is going to cost you when you get out."

The new rules over minicab metering will be brought in on October 1 if councillors rubber-stamp them this week.

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