Taxi drivers' extortion

I read with interest the letter submitted by Adrian Camilleri (July 29) regarding the taxi drivers' shelter opposite the Magic Kiosk on the Strand.

I agree that the structure is somewhat unsightly. However, I would not care if there were no shelter at all for those rip-off merchants who pose as taxi drivers .

I am a regular visitor to Malta. My next visit will be my 27th and I adore the island and its people, but the white cab drivers are in my opinion a race apart.

I am semi-disabled, having undergone hip surgery and on one occasion I found myself in need of a taxi to take me from the Magic Kiosk to my hotel, the Metropole in Dingli Street - not too far, you would agree. On arrival at the Metropole the driver asked me for a fare of Lm6 which I considered to be extortionate. I paid the fee without argument vowing never again to engage white taxis.

Since then I have used Wembley's and also Swansea taxis who incidentally charged me only Lm6 to take me to the airport from the Preluna Hotel Naturally I will use their services in the future.