The Sunderland Hackney Carriage Operators’ Association (SHCOA) is seeking an average increase of 4.1 per cent across its three main tariffs to help drivers survive a surge in overheads.

Currently, passengers have no guarantee they can pay by plastic, as some drivers in the city still operate on a cash-only basis.

London black cab fares are set to increase above the rate of inflation in a desperate move to stop drivers from leaving the trade.

Lucy Stolzenberg, 74, was driving four passengers when she ran over 58-year-old Rhian Cassidy in Caerau after failing to realise the figure in the road was a person.

While a recent report suggests the council moves forward with the plan, a public consultation revealed a dramatic split in opinion.

The stunt is part of a wider social media campaign by Shaine Tench, which includes videos of him lying inside large potholes to grab the public's attention.

Councillor Andy Wray, who represents the Rockingham ward, described his time with the team as an "eye-opening experience" that showed why local residents should feel safe.

Taxi operators have called for the resignation of the Licensing Committee convenor as council failure costs the trade over six months of lost fare increases.