TAXI fares in Wear Valley are likely to rise if proposals are approved next week.

Wear Valley District Council's licensing committee will consider plans for an increase on the rate on all tariffs, and the restructuring of two others.

The Wear Valley Taxi Drivers' Association have requested the rise due to an increased number of cabs and more expensive fuel, insurance and council fees.

The level of fare that drivers may charge is set by the council, and committee members will consider the request at their annual review of taxi fares.

Start-up rates will increase by 60p across the board, while two tariffs for late nights and holidays will be altered.

Between 11.30pm and 7am, and on Sundays, Bank Holidays or public holidays, the mileage for four or less passengers will be reduced from 165 yards to 150, and brought down from 140 yards to 125 yards for five or more passengers.

Tom Carver, the council's head of public protection, said that fares had to increase, but that they were still competitive compared to those of other local authorities.

He said: "Prices are going up by a minimum of 60p but, on two of the tariffs, they are dropping the mileage so they all fall in line.

"It's still reasonable value for money, hopefully. Fuel costs have gone up so much this year.

"Even as a council, it's costing a lot of money and, of course, fuel is one of the biggest expenditures for taxi operators."

Any increases agreed would be advertised in order to allow members of the public to object.

Tariffs last increased on April 1 last year, but they are reassessed annually which, Mr Carver said, avoided the need for drastic increases in the price structure.

"Each council has their own way of doing it; we look at doing it yearly," he explained.

"By doing it yearly, in small amounts, it's not such a big effect.

"Next year, we might not need one, or it could be a much smaller one. Or it may be that it has to go up a fair bit."

The tariff rises will be discussed at the council chamber in the Civic Centre, Crook, on Thursday, at 6pm.