Taxi drivers want to charge an extra 20p per journey to cover rising fuel and living costs.

The Braintree District Taxi Association has asked Braintree Council’s licensing committee to increase the starting rate for journeys from £3 to £3.20.

Current fare rates per mile would remain unchanged under the proposals.

Association chairman Terry Rogers said: “Fuel costs have gone up 80 per cent over the last six years and during this time we have tried to keep the cost to customers down.

“But we feel this increase is necessary for our members to claw back some of the expenses lost during these very hard times.”

Councillors were due to vote on the proposals at a meeting last night.