TAXI passengers in Wyre Forest will have to pay higher fares in the New Year.

Increases in the cost of journeys, due to take effect from February 1, have been approved, although rates in the district are still among the cheapest in the county.

Wyre Forest Taxi Drivers' Association, which represents around 100 of the district's 182 licensed drivers, had sought increases in trip and waiting fees to bring them more in line with those charged in neighbouring areas.

Members of Wyre Forest's licensing committee endorsed a continuation of the existing mileage rate of £1.50 for journeys of up to half a mile but approved an increase to 10p per subsequent eleventh of a mile, rather than per tenth as at present.

At present journeys of a mile or two miles cost £2 and £3 respectively. In Bromsgrove, the comparable fares are £2.50 and £3.75 and in Malvern Hills district they are £2.30 and £3.50.

Waiting time rates will rise to 10p for each period of 45 seconds or part. Until now, the rate was 10p per minute, which contrasted with 10p for 24 seconds in Bromsgrove and 18p a minute in Malvern Hills.

The current Wyre Forest waiting rate had been in operation for 10 years.