Taxi drivers are set to go on strike for the second time this month demanding a ‘nominal’ fare increase to meet rising costs.

The private hire association says they have not seen fares increase for taxi journeys for nearly four years despite the cost of running their cars going up each year.

Many drivers, who have had their business devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, are now struggling financially due to the increasing costs, according to the association.

Drivers are planning to boycott driving their vehicles from 6am today all the way through to 6am Saturday morning.

A spokesman for the association said: “We have been talking to the companies that we work for and some even agreed to put the fares up at first but many have now gone back on their word.

“Only United Taxis have said they will agree to the fare increase so far but we’re not happy until all have agreed.

“Usually when one agrees all the rest follow as drivers start moving to these companies but it hasn’t happened this time.

“Drivers have been struggling so much over coronavirus and business is only just starting to pick up slightly again.

“Fares need to go up so drivers can provide for themselves and their families. Many companies seem to just be hiring more drivers to try and get more business, but that just makes it worse for the drivers.

“We can understand that companies are trying to save money after losing business over coronavirus but the drivers are the business and so many are struggling to survive at the moment.”

The spokesman added that without a rise in fares many drivers may look to move to other firms, especially Uber, after a High Court case determined drivers should be entitled to sick pay and holiday pay.

The association said they would continue to strike until fares are increased for all companies.