Walsall taxi fares to rise 20pc

Taxi fares for black cab passengers in Walsall are poised to rise by up to 20 per cent, it emerged today.

An immediate 70p rise is being proposed by the Walsall Hackney Carriage Association in a bid to cover drivers' costs. Cabbies blame the rise on increasing fuel prices and insurance.

The cost of the first mile between 6am and 6pm will rise from £3.60 to £4.30 and then from £1.50 to £1.60 for each mile afterwards.

Meter charges are also due to rise overnight from 13p to 15p for each 117 yards travelled after the first mile.

Mirza Khalid, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association in Walsall, said they were coming in line with other authorities.

The proposals have been submitted to Walsall Council's licensing and safety committee which meets on Wednesday.