THE introduction of increased taxi fares in North Ayrshire has been suspended.

It comes after the decision to hike prices by more than 10 per cent was appealed by an operator.

The proposals were initially by North Ayrshire Council's licensing committee in October.

These would have seen tariffs increased from £3.20 to £3.50 for the first three quarters of a mile up until midnight, and from £3.50 to £4 for the first three quarters of a mile after midnight.

The tariff increase was to align with the cost of living crisis, which has seen an increase in fuel costs for cabbies.

These new fares were due to be implemented from Monday, November 21.

But the council has now warned taxi drivers not to have their meters recalibrated to the new scales.

A spokesperson said: "Because an operator has appealed to the Traffic Commissioner the 'new' Scales are suspended. This is a legal rule and there is nothing the council can do about it."

There is now a realistic possibility that the new tariffs will now not be in place before the busy Christmas and New Year period.