BOLTON black cab drivers have withdrawn a bid to further increase fares this year.

Taxi charges went up last month by 14pc for lower tariffs and 12.5pc for higher rates but drivers - who say they have been hit hard by petrol prices - wanted a larger increase.

Bolton Taxi Association said they had been badly hit by petrol prices and lodged an appeal for a 28pc and 25 pc increase for the two fare bands. Councillors on the licensing panel had been due to consider the case today. But the association have withdrawn their objection after the council agreed to re-examine taxi fares in the New Year.