A PROPOSAL to increase taxi fares across Waveney has passed its first hurdle.

Waveney District Council has provisionally approved plans to raise hackney carriage fares.

The council's licensing committee decision means for journeys between 7am and 11pm passengers are due to pay �4.20 for the first mile instead of �3.20.

For journeys between 11pm and 7am passengers will have to pay �4.80 instead of �3.60.

The changes will also mean people will pay an extra pound for five, ten and 15 mile trips.

Following Monday night's decision a 14 day consultation has been launched to allow people to contact the council with their views on the fare changes.

After the consultation the changes will be voted on again by the committee next month.

The changes are based on 20p every 146 yards (134m) or 121 yards (110m) after the first 987 yards (902 m) or 789 yards (721m) depending on the time of day.

Monday's meeting heard increases were necessary because taxi drivers are facing a financial burden due to fuel prices rising dramatically, increasing VAT rates and a sharp rise in insurance premiums.

Hackney carriage driver and vehicle licenses have also increased annually.

Nearly 40 taxi drivers contacted the council to say they needed the increase in fees.