Black taxi drivers in Belfast have said their fares will have to go up by 23% because of rising running costs.

However, it is likely to be several months before the higher fares come into affect.

This is because any increase has to be approved by the Assembly's environment committee.

William Black from the Belfast Public Hire Taxi Association said running costs were currently spiralling out of control.

"Since the last increase fuel has gone up by 91p per litre to 123p or even 128p per litre," said Mr Black.

"Take this into consideration with the cost of maintaining a vehicle and the price of a vehicle - the driver just can't cope with it."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7419885.stm