RISING fuel prices have seen local taxi firms ask for an increase in fares for a second time in six months to help cover their higher overheads.

A public consultation on the proposal is being conducted by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) to seek the views of residents.

Unless objections are received, a new, higher fare rate will be introduced on August 4.

If anybody objects, SWT’s executive will discuss the issue on September 21 to try to balance its decision with any impact on the travelling public.

The proposals are to reduce the initial £2.40 distance charge from 425 yards to 390 yards and the subsequent 20p distance charge from 145 yards to 135 yards.

The changes would not apply to charges made by private hire vehicles.

Fares were only increased in February this year, since when the RAC has said the price of petrol had risen by 26.5 per cent and diesel by 28.1 per cent.

SWT councillors were told the fuel price hike was causing concern that some taxi businesses might become unviable, negatively impacting people who relied on hackney carriage services.

Comments or objections to the proposed fare increases can be made via SWT’s website and need to be submitted by August 3.