TAXI drivers in West Dorset face stiff rises in licence fees above levels charged to cabbies in Weymouth.

Members of West Dorset District Council are being urged to back a 14.89 per cent rise at an appeals and licensing committee meeting on September 3.

Tim Harries, who is a taxi driver and a councillor, accepted that it was the first rise in four years but said it worked out above the rate of inflation.

He said: "The cost of running a taxi all adds up.

"Personally I think this is a swingeing rise. Taxi drivers wouldn't complain if it was a five or ten per cent rise."

He added: "There have been some problems recently which have affected business.

"Tourism took a hit with September 11 and foot and mouth, and then the war on Iraq."

The committee is recommended to increase the cost of new licences for operators from £35 to £50, for drivers from £30 to £35 and for vehicles from £80 to £100.

Renewals for operators are proposed to increase from £25 to £30, from £22.50 to £25 for drivers and from £70 to £80 for vehicles.

The rise would affect drivers and operators in Dorchester, Bridport and West Dorset villages if it goes ahead.

It compares to £80 for new vehicles licences in north Dorset and £77 in Weymouth. The cost for new licences for drivers is £45 in north Dorset and the figure is £29 in Weymouth.

Operators pay £23 for licences for two vehicles and £11 for each thereafter in north Dorset, while the fee is £32 in Weymouth.

Bob Hanton, council corporate services manager, said that the increase in fees would raise an estimated £2,500 per year.

He added: "It is recommended that the increase is approved in order that the licensing function is self financing."

Coun Harries said he did not think the increase would result in higher fares for passengers.

He added that the £14.89 per cent rise was higher than the cumulative nine per cent rise in inflation over the past four years.

The meeting is being held at the district council offices in High West Street, Dorchester, on September 3.