IF a recommendation of the Public Works Committee is accepted by Redditch Urban District Council when it meets next month, taxi charges in the town will go up.

A suggestion from a Redditch taxi owner that a one-way telephone for receiving messages asking for taxis should be installed in Church Green West was approved by the committee on Tuesday.

A further suggestion that the number of ranks be increased from three to five was rejected, however.

If accepted by the full council, the new taxi rates will be a minimum of 1s 6d for the first mile and every subsequent mile during the day and a minimum of 2s for the first mile and 1s 6d for every additional mile during the night (from 10pm to 8am).

There may also be an extra charge of three pence for every suitcase, parcel or piece of luggage put into the boot of the taxi. The charge would not apply if the passenger takes the luggage into the vehicle with them.