MIDDLEWICH taxi users could find themselves out of pocket if the Congleton Taxi Drivers Association has its way.

The environmental services committee of Congleton Borough Council will meet this week to decide whether to increase Hackney Carriage fares in line with the association's suggestions.

If the proposal is accepted, Middlewich residents could expect to see a substantial rise in fares by Christmas time.

Currently there is a minimum charge of £1.60 for journeys that do not exceed one mile, and then £1.20 for every mile after.

The Taxi Drivers Association wants to reduce the minimum fare, or flagfall, by 160 yards, which could mean a fare increase of 8.3% for longer journeys.

This means that the cost of a one-mile journey would rise from £1.60 to £1.80 and a journey of five miles would cost £7.00 instead of £6.40.

The taxi trade says that the increase in fares is justified due to rising costs of fuel, insurance, road tax and drivers' wages.

It also claims that the elderly would not be affected because they make shorter journeys than those on larger incomes.

If the fare increases take place, Middlewich taxis will be among the most expensive in the county.

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