FOR only the second time in five years taxi fares are set to increase across the Borders.

Members of the local authority's ruling administration rubber-stamped proposals for a 3.7 percent hike.

The new charges will see a standard 10-miles journey for one-to-four-people go up from £19.59 to £20.32 - with the same journey during anti-social hours rising from £24.49 to £25.40.

A recent review found that maintenance, fuel, insurance and road tax costs had risen by an average 3.7 percent over the past 12 months.

But the new rates aren't mandatory for all of the region's 111 licensed taxi operators.

Timothy Stephenson, passenger transport manager at Scottish Borders Council, said: "Any fares set by the council are the maximum that may be charged.

"For every journey undertaken the taxi meter must be working and switched on and the metered fare clearly displayed. Operators may choose to discount fares if they wish."

A public consultation exercise will be carried out ahead of the fare rises being implemented.

A further review of fares will take place in 18 months.