I FELT I had to comment on the ridiculous and despicable way that Paul White of South Gloucesterhire has been treated by his council in regard to the licensing of his new minibus ("Two inches costs cabbie thousands", Post, August 23).

Not only are the rules in regard to passenger space totally ludicrous, but Mr White has been let down not just by his council but by the courts as well.

To win what should be an open and shut case and then to have it overturned with huge expense added to it, must be totally demoralising to someone who is only trying to provide a service to a community that South Gloucesterhire Council is supposedly representing.

Being a private hire taxi company proprietor myself, I am in a similar position with North Somerset Licensing Authority, which has implemented similar rules, making six-passenger vehicles into five, and eight-seaters into seven, purely on the basis of passenger comfort and safety.

One question to the councils: have you asked the customers how they feel?

I am currently putting together a very large petition signed by my customers who regularly use my people-carrier vehicles, and who feel these ridiculous measures will have a detrimental effect on the cost of a taxi, as they will need two cars to ferry a party of six.

This adds to congestion and the green issue, something the councils are supposedly supporting.

Do any of these councillors think things through before making absurd decisions?

Like Mr White, we are trying to build legitimate businesses in difficult times and need the authorities on our side.

I truly hope that the powers that be can help Mr White and the many other companies that will lose out on measures that clearly go against vehicle manufacturers' and safety specifications, whose cars are purpose-built to carry the passengers they have seats for.

Mike King, Streets Ahead, Dundry.