TAXI drivers in Southampton want to raise their minimum fares by up to 45%.

They say they need the higher fares because of rises in business costs, particularly in petrol and replacement vehicles.

Tariff changes proposed by taxi leaders would see minimum daytime fares rise from £2 to £2.90 and night-time fares go up from £2.75 to £3.90.

The changes would also see the distance covered by the minimum fare extended from 110 metres to 550 metres. Unit charges of 20p or 25p will then be made for each additional 235 metres.

Council transport bosses have worked out it will mean varying price increases.

A typical three-mile trip will go up by more than 1.5 per cent while a five-mile journey will go up by more than three per cent.

In a letter to the council outlining the proposed rises, Clive Johnson, chairman of Southampton Taxi Trade, said: "With several businesses closing in the area, it is hoped by the trade that the council is doing all it can to promote the city and help businesses develop rather than let them fold under the increasing legislative pressure."

Councillors on the licensing sub-committee will decide tomorrow whether to take up the proposals, which would have to be put out for public consultation.

If there were no objections they would come into force on October 8.

The changes would only apply to hackney carriages licensed by the council.

Private hire vehicles are free to set their own charges although most choose to follow the hackney carriage table of fares.