COUNCILLORS have agreed to allow the District's Hackney Carriages to charge passengers more per journey - the first price rise for the service in 12 years.

Rising costs of living, spiralling fuel prices and the introduction of the new Clean Air Zone next year were reasons given for the requested changes.

Unlike private hire vehicles, which can alter their prices any time, Hackney Carriage fares in Bradford can only be approved by Bradford Council.

The Hackney Carriage Owners and Drivers Association had requested fares be increased, and the issue went before Bradford Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee on Thursday.

Members were told the last request for a fare rise was 12 years ago.

A report to members said: "The cost of living has increased significantly since the last increase, as has the cost of running and maintaining a Hackney Carriage Vehicle.

"Hackney Carriage vehicles work predominately from the Ranks in the City Centre or Towns within the Bradford District. Many of these Ranks are within the Clean Air Zone boundary and subsequently Hackney Carriage Proprietors are having to upgrade their vehicles to meet the requirements of the CAZ or be charged daily for crossing into the zone.

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"Other increases impacting the key overheads to the running cost of a hackney carriage vehicle are Insurance and fuel price increases."

Currently a Tariff 1 journey (Monday to Saturday, 7am to 11pm) costs £2 for the first 97 metres and then 10p for each subsequent 97 metres. Under the approved changes, passengers will instead be charged 10p for every subsequent 88 metres.

A Tariff 2 journey (11pm to 7am Monday to Saturday and all day on Sunday/Bank Holidays) is currently 10p for every 87 metres. This will be changed to 10p for every 80 metres.

The fine for "fouling" a vehicle - which includes vomiting or leaving "excess dirt" in a Hackney Carriage, will remain at £50.