I AM responding to Mr J Drew (Letters, August 22) who alleged overcharging/extortion regarding a taxi journey taken from Kidderminster to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

I would like to put people in the picture with certain facts about this particular fare in the early hours.

l The fare of £40 was correct and was charged in accordance with Wyre Forest District Council taxi rules and regulations.

l The distance of 12 miles, stated by Mr Drew, was incorrect. The mileage to Worcestershire Royal Hospital is approximately 20 miles - this making a 40-mile round trip.

l The journey was undertaken within off-peak tariff times, which are from midnight until 6am. This resulted in the passenger paying double fare. If Mr Drew had taken a taxi journey between 6am and midnight he would have been charged at single fare, which would have been approximately £20.

Although we sympathise with the person concerned we, as a taxi service, are not responsible for the mistake of downgrading Kidderminster Hospital and moving facilities to Worcester.

I think people should be trying to address the real problems within Kidderminster, instead of taking every available chance to take cheap shots at local taxi drivers who, in my opinion, provide a good 24-hour service.

Taxi drivers find it tough enough withstanding abuse from intoxicated club-goers in the early hours. There has to be some incentive to keep drivers on in the early hours, and the present tariff does help.

V PRICE

Taxi proprietor

Richmond Road, Bewdley