Taxi drivers will be allowed to almost double the extra fee they charge customers after pub closing time.

Brighton and Hove city councillors last night agreed the surcharge could rise from £1 to £1.80 between midnight and 6am each Friday and Saturday.

Cabbies said the increase would improve public safety by enticing more drivers to work at night.

Ordinary cab ride surcharges will also rise from £1.40 to £1.50.

The new night-time surcharge will make short journeys in the city the second most expensive in England.

Tory councillor Dee Simson said: "I'd like to think it will increase the number of taxis on the road at night but I am not sure it will.

Licensing committee chairman Don Turner said: "We have discussed it with the taxi firms, which believe it is sufficient. It is now a question of wait and see."

Labour council leader Ken Bodfish praised the trade for providing an "excellent" service in Brighton and Hove.

He said the taxis themselves were of high quality and there were generally plenty available.

The policy committee will have to agree the rises at a meeting on January 21.

Then the increases will be advertised and any objections considered. The new fares will come into force at a date yet to be agreed by the council.

Taxi fares last went up in November 2002 and the trade feels it is time for an increase.

Friday January 09, 2004