TAXI drivers have called an all-out strike for next week.

Private hire and Hackney cab drivers across Kirklees will take industrial action next Friday.

The strike could seriously disrupt late-night revellers in Huddersfield town centre at the start of the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

Drivers took the move today after Kirklees Council announced plans to increase taxi licence fees.

Last week the council’s Cabinet decided to increase the annual charge for driver licence renewal 62% from £37 to £60. Licences for Hackney carriage cars will rise from £106 to £135 and for private hire cabs from £125 to £135.

The strike comes after taxi drivers’ representatives met council officers at Cleckheaton Town Hall this morning.

Amjad Nadeem, secretary of Kirklees Hackney Carriage Association, was at the meeting. He said: "Talks have broken down regarding the licence increase. The council refused to accept our objections.

"We walked out of the meeting and we’re planning a 24-hour strike for May 1."

Full story in Thursday's Examiner.