TAXI fares across East Hampshire are set to rise at the start of next month – yet drivers claim the increase may still not be enough to cover rising costs. With oil prices at record highs, the lot of the cabbie has significantly worsened with an increasing tally of additional expenses, including licence plates, insurance and the recent introduction of standardised meters. Last Friday, East Hampshire district councillors ratified fare increases between 4.17 per cent and 8.82 per cent, and an increase in the soiling charge from £50 to £75. But Barry Winter, chairman of Petersfield Taxi Association, feels that the increase is a necessary. "People do not realise how much you have to spend as a driver," he said. "Obviously, the price of oil is going up. We've got to cover the increase in fuel prices and we have to pay out so much on these cars to keep them running." Stating that insurance costs between £1,800 and £2,300 per year, Mr Winter outlined further costs. "The permit for the station is £217, plating is 140 odd quid and badges are nearly £50. And then there's the service and repairs. We do about 1,000 miles a week and it is recommended that you have a service every 12,000 miles, which is every 12 weeks." And the introduction of standardised meters, which see fares regulated on Bank Holidays and during peak rate hours, has added a further headache. "I've just had my meter changed and that cost me £200, but I heard nothing about the change. I can't afford to change meters just like that, and now a legal one is going to cost me £250. "I know people think we are all rich as they see us sat down all day, but everything is just escalating in this job, it's getting more and more expensive. "The way business is at the moment – and it's pretty quiet – I am just about making ends meet. But I'll have to work longer hours," he added. Set to start on February 1, the new fares include a 10p rise in the flag fare, from £2.40 to £2.50, with further increases across the board. The first mile goes up from £3.40 to £3.70; the second from £4.80 to £5.20; the fifth from £9 to £9.70 and the tenth from £16 to £17.20.