Taxi fares in Castle Point are to soar by up to 40 per cent - sparking a row between cabbies, it was revealed today.

A split has developed between minicab operators and the drivers of traditional taxis after the substantial hike in fares was agreed by councillors last night.

The new tariff means smaller increases for shorter journeys, but huge rises for longer trips - leading to a protest by private hire firms.

The new tariff was put forward by the cab section of the Transport and General Workers' Union, representing traditional Hackney Carriage drivers.

Increases range from seven per cent to 40 per cent. For example a two mile trip would be £3.20, an increase of 20p and a 10 mile trip will go up £4 to £15.

The borough council's licensing committee agreed the change at a meeting last night.

There are smaller increases on shorter journeys and bigger increases on longer journeys as 90 per cent of trips are said to be between one and four miles.

Private hire drivers such as those employed by Canvey-firm Wheels Taxis have objected to the new tariff and offered their own revised fares to the authority.

All sides agreed an increase in fares was due - but Wheels suggested that a two-mile trip should be £3.40 and a 10-mile trip £12.80.

A spokesman for the firm said: "The proposed tariff is far too excessive on journeys over four miles. All Hackney Carriage trade is generated at Benfleet station with the majority of this being under four miles.

"The work generated by Wheels Taxis is from a far broader base and I am unable to justify to my customers a £4 increase on an £11 fare."

Wheels will also have to wait to find out whether a request to have meters removed from private hire vehicles is agreed - which would then free them from sticking to the council tariff.

The committee decided to consult with all Castle Point firms before making a decision on removing meters.

The new tariff is set to be rubber-stamped at a finance and policy meeting on December 8 - and would come into force immediately if approved.

If approved, Castle Point's fares will be higher than Southend's for trips of three miles or more. A twelve mile trip in a Castle Point cab will cost £2.20 more than the same distance in Southend.

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