TAXI and private hire operators in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area are asking for a seven per cent hike in their fees.

The request will be considered at a licensing committee meeting next/this week, on Thursday March 10.

David Lane from the BCP taxi private hire association says in a letter to the council that the last rise was agreed in March 2020, but not implemented until May 2021 because of Covid restrictions at the time.

He says that his members need the increase in fares just to maintain their standard of living.

Mr Lane argues that with the latest inflation prediction of 8per cent and a rise in the cost of fuel by around 30 per, drivers are also seeing tyres and other motor parts increasing in price by around 20per cent.

If councillors agree the proposed charges, it would see the cheapest day rate for one mile and two miles go up from the present £4.76 and £7.16 to £5.09 and £7.66. Night rates, which start at £6.34 for the first mile would rise to £6.78 and then £3.38 per mile.