TAXI drivers in Darlington believe new measures being brought in to make their business safer are too expensive and strict.

The Vehicle Inspectorate will take over testing of the private hire and Hackney carriage fleet for Darlington Borough Council in September.

A charge of £40 plus VAT will be made for the test, with a £20 retest charge, while the price of plates will drop by £30 each.

But Michael Kennedy, chairman of the Darlington Independent Taxi Traders Organisation, said if drivers need to re-sit the test, which will be necessary even if there are only minor faults, the total cost of running a taxi could soar.

Mr Kennedy said: "The limits that are set are far and above the European directives on things such as tyre depth."

Another point he raised was that the change to Vehicle Inspectorate testing took place without the council putting the service out to tender.

"I'm not against vehicle safety, but I'm against certain departments of local government taking advantage of the little man and making them pay more money," said Mr Kennedy.

John Singh, owner of Abbacab, said his company could end up paying £300 per car with these costs and the expense of changing roof signs, to keep in line with other new council regulations.

A council spokeswoman said: "Public safety has to be our first priority. Action had to be taken. Tests and spot checks highlighted a history of poor compliance and poor standards.

"The measures we have introduced are to improve standards, guarantee safety and reliability and raise public confidence in the service.