Passengers using minicabs in the district face a substantial hike in fares following the petrol price increase in Gordon Brown's Budget.

Bradford Council's tough new rules are also being blamed by drivers and companies for a drop in their income.

The Council has decided to impose a five-year age limit on cars used to carry fare-paying passengers.

It has also banned the practice of buying slightly-damaged cars and bringing them up to scratch before using them as cabs.

Chairman of the Council's hackney carriage appeal sub-committee, Councillor Tim Mahon, says rules have been brought in to protect passengers.

Now Bradford Private Hire Association is calling an urgent meeting of members to discuss changing its present fare structure of £1.50 for the first mile and £1 for subsequent miles.

The Association wants the operators to consider:

charging £1.80 for the first mile then £1.20 for subsequent miles;

charging £2 for the first mile then £1 for every other mile;

charging £1.80 for the first mile then £1 for every other.

Association chairman Councillor Fakhawat Hussain said the fares had been frozen for four years to keep business in the highly competitive market.

"Now people are finding it very difficult to continue at existing levels and make a living and we are asking for their views," he said.

Private hire operators do not need Council approval to increase the fares.

However, the district's hackney carriages cannot put their fares up without Council permission. The hackney fares are currently about £2 for the first mile and £3.20 for two miles.

Coun Mahon said: "The private hire operators can charge what they choose, although in the past many have chosen to undercut the hackney carriages. There are 1,500 private hire and hackney drivers chasing a limited market.

"The new rules have been made in the interests of passengers safety and I make no apologies for them."

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