The arguments for and against the Brighton and Hove taxi dispute are still clocking up the miles.

Frank Blake's contribution (Letters, March 8) brought tears to my eyes. It referred to a driver working 12 hours a day for six days a week and up to three hours a day sitting on a taxi rank, waiting for a fare.

I was having a job holding back the tears and had to buy another box of tissues. But there was more sadness to come - the dreaded insurance, MOT and, to top it all, the need to have a white car with a specially painted bonnet.

What I can't understand is, if it such a bad occupation, why there are so many cabs waiting for fares on the ranks.

If I go to Brighton, I can't afford to use a cab, especially if I want to return to Newhaven as the fare is £25. I can go to London and back on the train for that.

Yes, I know there are bad things about the job but most jobs have their taxing times (oops, sorry).

I am sure other occupations have worse downsides. Comparing a taxi driver to an electrician or a plumber is a weak argument. I'm sure it costs a lot more money and time to train in those two trades.

-Paul-John Harris, Newhaven