TAXI fares in a borough are to rise.

Hackney carriage charges in Blackburn with Darwen will increase with effect from December 18.

The higher charge for using cabs on Sundays and Bank Holidays was removed in 2022.

The rise follows a request from taxi drivers and firms.

A report by Blackburn with Darwen Council's environment boss Cllr Jim Smith says: "Blackburn Hackney Carriage Association have submitted a request on behalf of the trade for an increase in the fares for hackney carriage journeys.

"The last increase was in 2022.

"If there are no objections to the request the increase will take effect. Any objections will be considered.

"The proposal for Blackburn with Darwen is to keep the current fare for shorter journeys.

"However where journeys are longer than 672 meters (735 yards) to reduce the number of additional metres travelled for 10p.

"The impact of the change will only be seen in longer journeys – approximately 10 miles and above.

"The proposal is to also re-instate a Tariff 2 fare (higher charge) for Sundays and Bank Holidays. This was removed in 2022.

"The valet fee if a vehicle is fouled by a customer to also be increased from £20 to £50.

"This will more realistically cover the costs of cleaning and loss of work time whilst a vehicle is being cleaned."

The new fares are: For hiring between 6am and 10pm Monday to Saturday (excluding bank holidays) * If the distance does not exceed 672 metres (735 yards) for the whole thereof £3.50; and * For each subsequent 68.5 metres (75 yards) or lesser portion thereof 10p; and * Waiting period for each period of 55 seconds or uncompleted part thereof 10p For hiring between 10pm and 6am Monday to Saturday, all day Sunday and Bank Holidays: * If the distance does not exceed 634 metres (693 yards) for the whole thereof £3.50; and * For each subsequent 59.4 metres (65 yards) or lesser portion thereof 10p.

For hiring between 10pm December 24 and 6am December 27 and between 6.00 pm December 31 and 6am January 2: * If the distance does not exceed 603 metres (660 yards) for the whole thereof £3.75; and * For each subsequent 92 metres (101yards) or lesser portion thereof 15p.

Extra passengers, wheelchairs and assistance dogs will remain free but a £1 charge will be imposed for pets, dogs and cats.