MY WIFE was in the London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green for a heart bypass operation in September and my son, who is a licensed taxi driver, took me and my daughter to visit her in his taxi. We paid him for this.

My son used the bus lane in Cambridge Heath Road, with clear signs showing taxis could use them. His taxi is licensed by Tendring district council is Surrey.

He then received a penalty charge notice from Tower Hamlets council for using a bus lane. On the photo they sent his taxi number was conveniently obscured. The fine was £100 or £50 if paid within two weeks.

My wife and I were very upset and I foolishly sent them £50 with a letter explaining the circumstances and that my son was driving a taxi.

We received a curt reply from the head of parking services, saying the notice was issued correctly and they were keeping my £50.

So I sent another letter with proof of my son's local authority taxi license number. They have not bothered to reply.

Last week my wife returned to the chest hospital and we had a good look at the notices near the Advertiser office-they quite clearly show taxis and cyclists can use bus lanes. The signs do not specify 'London' taxis.

This episode has soured our view of Tower Hamlets. I am a pensioner and cannot afford to be robbed of £50 by this money-grabbing council, which seems to discriminate against taxis from outside London.

http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/content/towerhamlets/advertiser/postbag/story.aspx?brand=ELAOnline&category=postbag&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=postbagela&itemid=WeED21%20Nov%202006%2016%3A59%3A39%3A187