MORE than 200 students signed a petition against proposals to increase Hackney Carriage fares in Newport.

People who study at the University of Wales, Newport, handed in a 223-name petition at the council's licensing committee meeting yesterday in response to plans put forward by the Newport Hackney Drivers Association (NHDA).

Speaking at the meeting student Jonny Roberts said proposals to increase the initial charge from £2.50 to £3 and extend night time hours for which there is an extra £1 on journeys to 11.30pm to 6am, would further affect the troubled financial situation students are already in.

He said the proposed charges would discourage students from using taxis, especially if the night time hours were extended, which could be potentially dangerous for vulnerable students such a women.

Other proposals put forward by the NHDA include reducing the incremental distance travelled where an extra 10 pence is charged from 116 yards to 112, because the NHDA says 80 percent of the trips are for short fares.

Lionel Morris, chairman of the NHDA, told councillors drivers' costs were continually going up due to the rising cost of fuel and licensing fees.

He said the proposed increases were the maximum drivers could charge but they could opt to charge less if they wanted to. He added students already receive a 20 percent discount.

Councillors discussed the proposals and agreed to go with an alternative recommended by council officers.

This includes raising the initial fare to £3, changing the night-time hours from 12 midnight to 5am and reducing the incremental distance from 116 to 112 yards.

Members also agreed to double fares at Christmas and New Year and agreed to raise the cost of carrying an animal from 60 pence to £1 for all animals except assistance dogs.

The matter will be referred to Cllr William Routley who will decided if the issue will proceed to public consultation.