CONSULTATIONS will continue on proposed Hartlepool taxi fare increases, first suggested in October last year.

Hartlepool Borough Council was set to agree an increase of 20p in initial minimum fares at a meeting yesterday.

The changes, which included an alteration to special day rates, beginning at 8pm rather than 11pm, were meant to be introduced at the start of April following a consultation with drivers, but an official objection from one driver delayed the new fare increases.

The objector said the 20p increase was not enough and that 75 per cent of drivers had wanted a flat 15 per cent increase.

He said he travelled to Manchester once a fortnight, which costs £102.30. He said this would increase to £117.60 with a 15 per cent rise but only £10.50 with the 20p increase.

But officers wanted the council to stick to its decision.

A spokesman said: "Unusually, the objection has been received from a member of the trade and not the public.

"Members have already considered both suggested fare increases and resolved this issue on December 20, following consultation with the trade.

"The objection has resulted in the increase being postponed, and the trade being financially penalised."

At a meeting yesterday, Councillor Moss Boddy tabled an amendment to the recommendation suggesting that special day rates should not start until 9.30pm.

This was seconded and the whole recommendation must be readvertised and a new consultation process will start.

If there are no objections, the new rates will go through, but if there are objections the planning and licensing panel will have to decide again on the rates.