In a move that will surprise absolutely no one who has looked at a fuel pump recently, taxi fares in North Tyneside could rise by 8% to help drivers cope with soaring fuel prices and the ever-joyful cost of living. The North Tyneside Hackney Carriage Association (NTHCA) has formally urged North Tyneside Council to approve the increase, which would bring the average cost of a three-mile journey to a wallet-draining £5.52.

Before you start planning your next walk, note that these proposed hikes apply only to hackney carriages - those charming vehicles you can hail on the street or at a taxi rank - not the pre-booked ones that require a PhD in app navigation.

Labour councillor John O'Shea, however, is not hailing this idea with enthusiasm. He wants a more 'balanced arrangement' than the proposed 8%, pointing out that residents in North Tyneside are 'suffering as well with the cost of living.' Because apparently, the economy is an equal-opportunity sufferer.

The NTHCA's reasoning, alongside the general cost of living, is the skyrocketing price of fuel and vehicle parts. And because no good news comes alone, extra charges are also set to rise: fines for car theft from £125 to £130, and charges for pets (except service dogs) from £3 to £4, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Yes, your dog's taxi ride is about to get pricier, but at least the service dog gets a discount for being useful.

Councillors have expressed concerns, particularly for North Tyneside's elderly residents. O'Shea noted, 'I just don't think we have got the right balance. I notice that the taxi trade has had significant uplifts in fuel and insurance and things like that, so they've been suffering for a little while.' He added, 'There are residents in North Tyneside who have been suffering as well with the cost of living.'

His suggestion to the director of public health? Look at a 'balanced arrangement, not the 8% that has been suggested.' The proposals, pending approval from the director of public health, will be made public for at least 14 days and open to objections. So if you have an opinion, now's your chance.

Follow BBC North East on X, external, Facebook, external, Nextdoor and Instagram, external, and listen to Radio Newcastle on BBC Sounds - because apparently, your taxi fare drama deserves to be broadcast.

In related news, taxi drivers say changes make city trips too costly, and Toon colour taxis were approved despite an outcry from drivers. The circle of life continues.