TAXI users will have to dig deeper into their pockets after it was confirmed that fares would rise for the first time in two years.

The average taxi journey in Worcester will go up by 20p after the Guildhall said it has no objections.

Licensing chiefs approved the rise, despite raising concerns that the new rates are so complicated it would confuse the public.

The new pricing means customers will pay £2.70 every 1.4 kilometres (0.8 miles) instead of £2.60, followed by 20p every additional 215 metres (705 ft) rather than 230 metres (754 ft).

Guildhall bosses have estimated the average trip will cost another 20p once the new rates kick in from May.

Worcester ranks 290 out of 377 UK authorities when it comes to taxi prices, making a trip in the Faithful City cheaper than the national average. The trade and city council tried to thrash out a price rise last month but could not agree on a formula.

A special meeting was arranged at the Guildhall on Monday to approve the new rise now, rather than leave it until the next scheduled licensing meeting in June.

Councillor Mike Layland said: "The reality is, costs for taxi drivers, when it comes to repairs and wear and tear on the motor, increase all the time.

"At the same time as these increases we demand that standards must be high. Taking all this into account, I think the new rates are such a minimal increase, it must be supported.

"An average rise of 20p won't make that much of a difference to the general public.

"I don't see how anyone can argue with it."

Coun Paul Denham said: "Even with the increase, Worcester is still well below the UK average, and when you consider taxi drivers have not had an increase for two years, I think that it is reasonable."

The rise will only be added between 7am and midnight Monday to Saturday, with prices remaining the same at other times.

Rates at other times will stay at £3.80 every 1.4 kilometres, expect for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, which the rate is £5.20 every 1.4 kilometres.

Dave Allen, from the Worcester Taxi Drivers Association (WTDA), said: "When we set these prices we are always very mindful of the public."

Coun Dave Clark, chairman of licensing, said officers would work with the WTDA to try and make the rises easier to understand in the future.

The rise will have be advertised in the Worcester News for two weeks before it officially starts.