In reply to David Rowland (Letters, February 29), as a retired taxi driver, I would like to explain that fares are set by Brighton and Hove City Council, not taxi drivers.

Most days drivers will work approximately 12 hours and for six days a week. Up to three hours a day will be spent waiting on ranks. Customers never have to wait that long.

The insurance and repair costs are very high and this city forces them to have white cars with specially painted bonnets.

Cars are inspected every year as well as requiring the normal MOT and each fare rise means meters have to be altered and then checked by the council, meaning more expense.

As for the busy times, all businesses have slow and busy times and at busy times, say at the bank or supermarket, you have to wait your turn - you do not always get instant service.

Mr Rowland mentions Peacehaven taxis being cheaper. Recently one Peacehaven driver worked for 17 hours and had an accident which injured passengers.

Just a few weeks ago a driver was stabbed in the hand and robbed of his £40 takings. Instead of cheaper fares, drivers should get danger money. Taxi driving is not for the fainthearted.

I wonder if you could get a plumber or electrician to come out at midnight for a fiver.

-Frank Blake, Hove