NEW taxi fare hikes planned for Poole could see charges rocketing for passengers taking a cab over Christmas and New Year.

The rises would mean people forking out double the usual day rate for journeys after midnight on December 25, 26 and 27 and January 1 and 2.

Fees on these premium days are set to rise from the current level of £4.65 for the first mile to £6.38, with passengers paying a hefty £17.36 for four miles.

Night tariffs for bank holidays and other public holidays would also see a significant rise.

At the moment, journeys from midnight to 6.30am on these days are charged at the basic day rate plus a third.

The proposed rates, which could be introduced on July 19, will go up to the basic day rate plus 50 per cent.

For the first mile, the new charges would be £4.78, up from the current level of £4.13, with a journey of two miles costing £7.53, up from £6.50.

Basic rates per mile for usual day journeys will rise by around three per cent.

The move to hike premium fares has the backing of taxi firms in Poole, who say increases in fuel and insurance costs justify the tariff rises.

They argue that the increases will reward drivers on duty during these unsocial hours.

Councillors on Borough of Poole Council's Transportation Advisory Group will consider the proposed new fares tomorrow, along with plans to redesign the identification stickers displayed by all Poole taxis.

Currently, the stickers have to state the licence number of each vehicle, but the new design will include details of the vehicle's passenger capacity and also a no-smoking sign.

From July 1, there will be a ban on smoking by both passengers and drivers in taxis at any time.

There are also plans to allow taxis to display commercial advertising on all four doors.

Previously, cabs were barred from using the front passenger doors for adverts.