With reference to your article, “Cab company answers criticism”, (Gazette, January 12), Richard Mead, of Minicab Services, states it’s wrong for taxis to punish the public with higher fares.

I phoned many taxi companies on Saturday at 4pm, but none could do anything for an hour or two.

The last company I called was Minicabs, but I was told all cars were off the road.

I would be more than willing to pay double fare.

The taxi drivers who worked throughout the bad weather were putting themselves and their cars at risk, so why not get that little extra?

As for bus companies not putting their fares up, the drivers get a weekly wage and, if the weather got too bad, the buses would be taken off the road.

Taxi drivers are self-employed, and only earn what they make on the road, less fuel, radio, car hp or company car hire, car repairs and upkeep, then tax and National Insurance.

Bus drivers don’t have all that to do – it’s done for them. So, if the companies want them on the road or off the road, it’s down to them. Well done to all the taxi and bus drivers who kept the public moving, however much you charged.

Sharron Lawrence
Mile End
Colchester