The 118 118 directory service has been fined £80,000 for failing to make its charges clear to consumers, the regulator said.

PhonepayPlus has told all 118 directories to improve their pricing information, which found that many consumers are not aware of how much they can cost.

Some complainants had experienced "bill shock" after using 118 118, but the regulator warned that most of the 118 directories charge a connection fee from 50p to £4. A call to 118 118 costs £3.58 for the first minute and £1.99 for each subsequent minute, plus any network charges.

PhonepayPlus' director of operations, Jo Prowse, said: "Consumers trust directory enquiries services and we want to help the industry keep it that way."