Taxi fares are to increase by up to nearly 5% to cover the spiralling running costs for cab drivers.

Brighton and Hove City Council documents have revealed the costs of riding in a taxi in the city could increase by 20p if new charges are approved.

It would make the city the 15th most expensive place in the country for hiring a cab in the day, although the 118th most expensive for a nighttime taxi ride.

Taxi bosses said the increase was the bare minimum and was brought about by increasing costs in insurance, petrol and other running costs.

Drivers are also facing huge costs to meet council requirements for fitting disability access and CCTV equipment into cabs.

The price increase will mean a onemile taxi ride between 6am and 9pm will cost £4.40 compared to the current £4.20 while a ten mile trip will cost £24.20 compared to £24.

A weekday night-time trip for one mile will cost £5.40.

The proposal comes a year after a similar 20p increase was agreed.

Figures from PetrolPrices.com show forecourt prices for unleaded in Brighton have increased by 4.4p per litre from July last year while diesel prices had jumped by 3.9p per litre on average prices.

The increase would place the city’s cabs as among the top 20 most expensive day time rides in the country alongside neighbours Adur and Mid Sussex.

John Streeter, director of Brighton and Hove Streamline Taxis, said: “This increase is much needed within the trade.

“It is the minimum increase and we accept that there is a recession on and we accept it is desperate stakes for everyone.

“We are conscious we have a responsibility to the public but the guys really, really need this increase.

“If you compare it to the bus fare increases, then it is not much.”

Andy Cheesman, managing director of City Cabs, said: “We are talking about 20 pence on all journeys and when you think the average journey is £8 then you are talking about pennies.”

The proposals will be discussed at the council’s licensing committee on Thursday June 27.