THE cost of getting a black cab is set to increase after councillors agreed to calls by taxi drivers to up their rates to meet increasing fuel costs.

Blackburn and Darwen Hackney Carriage Association called for a five per cent increase in fares which mean a 30 pence rise in the cost of a five mile journey.

The association said higher costs for fuel and insurance premiums mean a five per cent increase is a "modest" request.

In a letter to the licensing committee, the taxi drivers' chairman Moosa Karolia said: "With escalating fuel prices and high increases in insurance premiums and maintenance costs, we believe a five per cent is modest and hope that members of the licensing committee agree." He added: "It's especially difficult with fuel costs rising and insurance premiums shooting up. My insurance ran out last month and I ended up paying almost £300 extra to renew it." Costs for Tariff One fares, charged between 6am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, will increase from £1.40 to £1.50 for the first 950 yards, and 10 pence for each subsequent 162 yards, compared to 167 yards travelled previously.

A five mile journey would cost £6.50 compared to £6.20.

A similar five mile journey in Chorley would cost £7, although in Burnley it would cost £5.80.

Tariff Two fares for night-time and Sundays will also increase, with a five mile journey costing £7.30 compared to £7.

Members of the licensing committee last year also approved a five per cent increase in fares, following a 10.5 per cent increase in 1998 -- three years after the previous rise.

The cost of private hire taxis are not affected by this proposal as their rates are set by market forces.

The price increases went to the licensing committee last night and will need to be finally approved by the executive board and executive committee.

They will then be advertised for public comments before coming into effect.