A 10 PER cent hike in North Ayrshire taxi fares has come into effect.

Under normal tariffs, taxis can now charge a maximum £3.50 up to the first three-quarters of a mile, and then £2.30 for each mile thereafter in 10p units.

The previous maximum rate was £3.20 for the first three-quarters of a mile.

Under the higher tariff which runs from midnight until 7am, on a Sunday or on public holidays, the charge is higher.

On the higher tariff, taxi drivers can now charge a maximum of £4 up to the first three-quarters of a mile, up from £3.50, and £3 for each mile after that in 10p units.

A festive tariff applies to journeys starting or ending on December 25 or January 1 being doubled.

Extra charges apply for large vehicles, boundary zones and a number of other factors.

The proposals were initially approved by the licensing committee at North Ayrshire Council (NAC) last October, but the increase was put on hold after one operator lodged an appeal.

Driver can charge less than the meter or can agree a fixed fare with the passenger before the journey, as long as that fixed fare is not more than the maximum tariff.

For more information go to bit.ly/nactaxifares.