Night fares of taxis in Watford are set to by reduced by 30 per cent by the end of the month.

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

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

However, Shafiq Ahmed, chairman of Watford Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, has now said night tariff rates will decrease by November 30.

He said: “After having no tariff increase for nearly four years, the council has now agreed to our demand to reduce night tariff rates by approximately 30 per cent.

“This should be a great early Christmas present for people who use taxis in Watford.

“Watford has all types of Taxi vehicles available for any demand requested by the public. We also have a large disabled friendly vehicles for convenience.”

Mr Ahmed also revealed that more than 60 per cent of taxi drivers in the area also now have card reader machines installed in their vehicles to provide “easy and convenient service” for those who do not often carry cash.