TAXI fares in Blackburn with Darwen could be set to rise after a campaign by drivers’ associations.

Costs for a tariff one fare, which will be 24 hours a day, seven days a week, could increase more than nine per cent.

This would see the cost for the first 724 yards go up from from £2.25 to £2.40, with the cost for each 103 yards after that remaining 10p.

There would be no change to tariff two, which is operational during Christmas and New Year, which is £3.15 for the first 660 yards and 30p for each succeeding 220 yards.

The Hackney Drivers’ Association Ltd and Blackburn and Darwen Hackney Carriage Association have lobbied members of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s licensing committee for the change.

They said the borough’s fares were ‘significantly lower’ than neighbouring authorities.

For a two-mile journey on tariff one, Blackburn with Darwen taxis have been charging £4.45, compared to £4.80 in Preston, £4.50 in Burnley and £5.30 in the Ribble Valley, according to drivers.

Charlie Oakes, chairman of the Hackney Drivers Association Ltd, said: “The changes will bring trade in Blackburn back nearer to where they should be in line with others.

“It should also be noted that many councils have not yet increased fares, but if they do, Blackburn will fall further down the national averages table.”