New increased taxi fares have been introduced following a consultation with London's cabbies.

This year's annual taxi fare revision, which came into effect last Saturday (April 14), is below the rate of inflation.

The Transport for London executive board approved a 3.1 per cent increase in the tariff to help drivers maintain their earnings in the face of rising business costs.

The changes will see the average fare charged on Monday to Friday between 6am and 8pm rise by 29p; by 33p on Monday to Friday between 8pm and 10pm and on weekends between 6am and 10pm; and by 40p nightly between 10pm and 6am and on public holidays.

The environmental charge of 20p, introduced by the London Mayor in December 2004 to meet the cost to the trade of converting taxis to reach new environmental standards, is due to be reviewed later this year.

The board also approved regualtions that make it compulsory for a taxi driver to issue a receipt if the passenger requests one.

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