Taxi drivers have defended the price of Hackney cabs in their area, despite them being among the most expensive in the country.

Figures from trade magazine Private Hire and Taxi Monthly show that Watford has the second-most expensive fares in the UK over a two mile journey.

A trip of this distance will set you back £8.40, with only those near Luton Airport costing more at £9.20.

But Shafiq Ahmed, chairman of Watford Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, explained that, while the prices might be higher, drivers have been committed to maintaining the rate over the years.

He said: “These were the fares that were set four years ago and, throughout these four years, we haven’t seen an increase whereas other areas have.”

He added that plans have been finalised to reduce the tariffs, with night rates set to drop by around 30 per cent.

Addressing the overall higher costs for taxi journeys, Mr Ahmed explained how it guarantees customers a smoother and safer ride.

He said: “We can’t compete with Uber on price. But we have better checks and a better local knowledge.

“If you want to drive a taxi here you have to have lived in the area for three years to get your licence.

“In this day and age, safety is very important. We want people to feel safe at night and we provide a service that is efficient and professional.”

The debate has rumbled on for some time now, culminating in London Uber drivers losing their licence, a decision which is currently being appealed.

Graham Reid, who uses taxis in Watford, said drivers were “taking the mick” by charging so much, particularly for short journeys. He noted how he could take an Uber for roughly half the price.

But James O’Connor is an advocate for Hackney cabs and believes you “get what you pay for”.

He said: “I find them incredibly knowledgeable about the area, without having to use a sat-nav.

“Far too many companies rely on sat-nav and out of town drivers who know nothing of the areas in which they work.

“Yes they might be slightly cheaper but I’d rather get to my destination in one piece and on time.”

The Mayor of Watford Borough Council, Dorothy Thornhill, welcomed the news that fares are to be reduced, saying that the town “should not be an outlier”.

She explained how the council is regularly under pressure to increase tariffs so was pleased to see that an agreement has been reached to lower prices.

“Taxi drivers have to remain competitive and I think they’ve realised that they are at risk of pricing themselves out of the market,” she said.

“If you keep putting the fares up, you can end up shooting yourself in the foot so it’s good to see that they’re taking this approach.”