TAXI drivers want an inflation-busting 4.7 per cent rise in cab fares to cover the spiralling cost of fuel.

And cabbies want to up the cost of catching a taxi on a Saturday - hitting shoppers as well as revellers.

The Cambridge Licensed Taxi Owner's Association (CLTOA) argues the rise is the same as London's and drivers will not see the extra cash in their pockets because it will all go in their fuel tanks.

But Cllr Geoff Heathcock, speaking out on behalf of vulnerable residents, said the taxi drivers were scoring an own goal with the rise because people would decide the fares were too expensive and look for alternative transport.

If CLTOA's request is approved by Cambridge City Council's licensing committee on Monday (June 16), the 4.7 per cent increase will mean passengers will not be able to travel as far as they could before for the same money.

It will reduce the initial distance included in the tariffs from 98 metres to 94 metres and each subsequent payment of 20 pence will only take passengers 187 metres instead of 196 metres.

In addition drivers want each of the three tariffs to increase by 20 pence so tariff one, which operates between 7am and 7pm will go up to £2.40; tariff two, covering 7pm to 7am and Sundays and Bank Holidays, will cost £3.40; and tariff three, charged on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, will increase to £4.40.

CLTOA is also calling for the hours of operation for tariff two to be extended to cover from 7pm on Fridays to 7am Monday and Bank Holidays.

If approved, the new charges would come in to force in September and apply to all taxis in the city and South Cambridgeshire, not just members of the Association.

Sid Couzens, chairman of CLTOA, said: "We are trying to cover the losses. We always go with the London fare increase. The councillors don't have to give it to us but hopefully we will get it."

Karl Stamper, CLTOA committee member, said making a living was becoming an increasing struggle.

He said: "We've been keen to approach for an increase this year due to the vast increases in fuel. It's been harder than ever before. At the moment it is quite a struggle for fuel for us - four cars last year cost about £20,000 but that has now gone up to £26,000."

But Cllr Heathcock, who represents Queen Edith's ward on Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "We understand fuel costs are undoubtedly causing them additional costs but they have to recognise their customers aren't earning that increase either in their pensions or their wages.

"More people are going to vote with their feet and say we can't afford a taxi."

Robert Boorman, treasurer of Cambridge Older People's Enterprise (COPE), said the city council should consider increasing the subsidy provided through the taxicard scheme for disabled people on benefits if it approved the fare rise.

Cambridge City Council's licensing committee meets at the Guildhall at 10am.

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