TAXI bosses in Southampton have launched a crackdown on drivers who try to rip-off passengers in the city.

The clampdown is being spearheaded by members of the Southampton Taxi Consultative Council after it was revealed that a small minority of drivers charged double the legal rate for journeys over the Christmas period.

Drivers are allowed to charge double normal rates for journeys over the festive season including Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

But a "tiny minority" of the city's 663 taxi drivers take advantage of the public uncertainty about the rules by charging up to four times what they should.

Now, drivers will be forced to display a clear notice in their cabs telling passengers what their rights are alongside the fares structure.

The notice will advise passengers that they should only pay the price that is clearly displayed on cab metres.

Chairman of the Taxi Consultative Council Clive Johnson said: "It is certainly not a major problem but we are worried about members of the public being charged more than they should be. Our concerns are to make sure the public is protected and know what their rights are with regards to fares."

The crackdown was revealed as drivers agreed a new set of tariffs with city licensing bosses on Wednesday.

Drivers are looking for increases in fares which would average between two and three per cent depending on the length of the journey.

For the first mile, fares would rise from £3.36 to £3.49 - an increase of 13 pence. A five-mile trip would cost £8.80 - an increase of 18p over the old rate.

The cost passengers must pay to clean up a taxi is also set to rise from £40 to £50.

The new fares structure will come into effect from April 30 if it is approved by city licensing chiefs.