SIR: In response to the letter from Mr D. Barlow (Letter of the week, BEN Sat March 7) regarding private hire drivers. The reason I did not disclose my name on my letter was because on the last occasion I dared to criticise cab drivers, I was subjected to abusive and sometimes malicious mail and telephone calls from the moronic element in the trade for several weeks. I use private hire vehicles only when there is no alternative form of travel and as a paying customer I expect to be conveyed in safety.

Neither the police nor the authorities will take action unless someone has been injured, so reporting bad drivers is a waste of time. Mr Barlow's letter fails to make any mention of the reason for my original letter - bad driving. Perhaps he thinks that it does not apply to him? He states that I have not got the guts to allow my name to be printed, but I wonder if he has the guts to take up this offer. I will arrange and pay for him to take an advanced driving test. Think of the extra business from being able to advertise that you are a safe driver!

Often terrified cab user,

(Name and

address supplied). ?

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