A bitter dispute over taxi fare increases in Rayleigh and Rochford is to be decided by a court.

Taxi operators and Rochford District Council have been at the centre of a war of words over the authority's fares rise planned for the end of last year.

Owners and drivers appealed to Southend Magistrates' Court against the proposals and the case has now been adjourned until March 18.

The council has agreed to suspend the planned new charges until the court appeal has been heard.

The new tariff was agreed by the Tory-controlled council, but operators and drivers wanted no increases in the coming year until there had been full discussions on the whole issue.

A council spokesman said: "Under the tariff agreed by the council, passengers would benefit because payment of a 20p fee for a prebooked trip is ended.

"For taxi drivers, generally the new fare tariff gives them a 3.5 per cent increase, substantially above the rate of inflation."

Council leader Peter Webster added: "The action of the taxi drivers and operator is regrettable.

"We believe customers should be able to benefit from the revised structure we have proposed.

"We really feel our proposals would boost trade and are disappointed the drivers and operators do not appear to share that view."

However, Janet Hill of RT Taxis in Rayleigh, said: "We are hoping the council will see sense and properly negotiate with the owners and drivers."

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

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