Taxi drivers have hit back at criticism of their fares, claiming a new pricing system has led to cheaper journeys for many customers.

Cabbies in Lewes district say the £2 minimum fare has cut the cost of many local trips since being introduced in April.

They reacted angrily to news Lewes District Council is reviewing its decision to set a £2 standing charge for short journeys, plus mileage. Drivers used to charge what they wanted.

The environment review board is looking at whether the new system is in the public interest after councillors' claimed fares had doubled, hitting the elderly hard.

But cabbies across the district hit back saying most local fares used to be more than £2, with fares in Lewes town rarely below £2.40.

They said the new £2 tariff was the lowest fare economic to them.

Spokesman Andy Reohorn, of Premier Cabs in Peacehaven, said: "We do not want to rip anyone off. We simply deserve to be valued enough to earn a living. With the introduction of metering, many fares have dropped as most of the elderly live within a £2 fare of their local post office, supermarket and so on. Many elderly customers are delighted with their new lower fares."

He said the council had recommended the £2 fare and advised all drivers to use it.

He denied claims the trade was operating a cartel and said drivers now competed on service and quality.

Mr Reohorn said the average driver worked up to 80 hours per week at about £3.75 per hour, with no paid holidays and no sick pay, taking regular abuse.