I AM writing in response to the comments made by Mr Webb (Bolton Evening News, January 11) regarding the condition of private hire vehicles.

As a private hire driver with 20 years' experience, I would like to assure Mr Webb and the rest of the general public that all cars are tested by the council to a very high standard, above and beyond that of a normal MOT.

In some instances a pass certificate is refused for even the most minor of defects, such as a difference in colour shade on the paintwork.

All vehicles are tested twice annually at a cost of £91 each time, and all drivers are aware of the possibility that they may be stopped by the police or council in order to ensure their car is of a sufficient standard.

If a vehicle is deemed to have a defect that does not comply with the standards set out by the council, it will be taken off the road.

In regards to the general cleanliness of vehicles, one must not forget that many of the cars in question are used around the clock, and it is therefore difficult to keep them in showroom condition at all times.

I would like to advise people that if an incident - such as the one on Crompton Way / Folds Road, brought to our attention by Mr Webb - occurs again, a witness should take note of the car's plate number and report the vehicle to the Council Licensing Unit on 01204 336584.

I can assure you that in these circumstances the driver will be contacted, told to report to the Licensing Department immediately, and instructed not to carry on working until the car has been appropriately inspected.

I sincerely hope that this will ease any apprehension people may have with regard to travelling in a private hire vehicle.

Mr D Haynes

Arnold Street