Eastbourne taxi fares are set to rise above the rate of inflation.

Borough council bosses last night approved a package put forward by the taxi trade in Eastbourne.

Prices are set to rise by 30p on journeys of up to five miles between 7am and 9pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

Council licensing committee chairman Patrick Bowker said: "We felt that an increase in fares was deserved."

John Hake, owner of Devonshire Taxis in Vicarage Road, said the trade faced higher insurance payments which were eating into drivers' income.

He said: "The main objective of the increase is to try and keep up with inflation but also to tempt more drivers out at night.

"Unfortunately, there is a big problem with unruly behaviour which sees many private hire vehicles go off duty at around midnight.

"Who wants to be driving when you're at risk from violence?"