TAXI rates are set to rise in Inverclyde from the middle of next month after councillors finalised new charging scales.

Members of the local authority's General Purposes Board have given final approval to taxi trade proposals to increase 'flag fall' fees and running mile rates.

The new tariffs will take effect from May 14 and could see fares rise by as much as 12 per cent. 

The scales set out by the local authority are the maximum fares that may be charged by the operators of taxis within Inverclyde.

The board had initially approved the rates at a meeting in February and put them out to a public consultation which received no objections or representations. 

Greenock Telegraph: Taxi rates

Hirings from ranks or 'flag' hirings between 6am and 11pm will now have a maximum initial charge of £3.08, up from £2.75, with the first mile of the journey costing approximately £4.13.

For the same types of hirings started between 11pm and 6am, the charge ceiling has been raised to £3.19, with the approximate cost of the first mile rising by 50 pence to £4.59.

Certain types of hirings on Easter Monday, May Day, Fair Saturday and September 26 will carry a maximum initial fee of £3.42.

Pre-booked hirings and those from ranks or 'flag' hirings on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and January 2 will have a initial cost cap of £5.99, which is also the first mile cost for such bookings.