AN investigation is ongoing following claims a taxi firm overcharged passengers for a number of months.

Taxi drivers in Barrow have claimed that Acacia Taxis set fares for Hackney Carriages higher than the allowed rate set by the council.

They say for at least nine months the firm set starting fares in its taxi meters higher than allowed by Barrow Council's licensing department.

It is understood the firm has now set its fare rates back in line with other taxi proprietors, with drivers from the company saying it was not intentional.

Licensing chiefs from the council have been made aware of the alleged issue and are looking into it.

Taxi drivers say the current system of fares in the borough needs to be overhauled.

One Barrow taxi driver from another company who did not want to be named, said: "I don't think they did it intentionally but they were still overcharging and it was an oversight from the town hall.

"The tariffs on the meters are set by the town hall and everyone needs to stick to them.

"As a Hackney Carriage you are not allowed to charge more than what the town hall sets.

"We want new tariffs so this can never happen again."

Unlike private hire vehicles, Hackney Carriage rates cannot be changed by taxi companies.

Councillor Tony Callister, Barrow Borough Council spokesman for licensing and public protection, said: “An investigation into this matter is ongoing.”

Acacia could not be reached for comment before going to press last night.