Rising fuel prices and insurance costs have forced cab drivers to ask for an increase in their fares for the first time in three years.

Hackney carriage drivers have asked Brighton and Hove City Council to consider a raft of changes to their tariffs.

The proposed rise adds about 60p on a three-mile city centre journey - up from £6.80 to £7.40 - which will be used to cover increased running costs.

Alterations to the tariffs have been discussed by the council's licensing committee.

The proposals are to increase initial fares for all tariffs by 20p.

This sees the day time tariff increase from £2.40 to £2.60.

An extra 20p will then be added onto the fare for every additional 160 yards. This compares to 176 yards under the old system.

The fares will increase by 50% on top of that for vehicles carrying five to eight passengers.

In May 2002, Brighton and Hove ranked third in the country for fares.

It is now ranked 61st nationally, the lowest it has ever been.

A council spokeswoman confirmed the proposal would be advertised to give people a chance to comment or making any objections.

If objections are received, it will return to the committee to make a final decision.