I am concerned to learn that private hire taxis will be allowed to share bus lanes with black cab drivers.

County council transport bosses declared that a November 2007 traffic survey proved there would be no harmful effects to cyclists.

But how do you carry out a survey without experimenting with private cabs using the bus lanes? Generally, the black cab drivers' quality of driving, knowledge of the area and consideration for other road users is superior to that of the private hire driver.

How do I reach that conclusion? When was the last time a black cab driver asked you, the customer, directions to your destination?

Or did a U-turn in a busy street, without indicating? Or showed lack of consideration for pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers? Or have council rules changed that required specific knowledge of the area before a licence was issued?

Does private hire taxis' serviceability meet that of black cabs?

Not according to recent police checks.

They found an uncomfortably large quantity of poorly maintained vehicles that would fail an MoT.

I still need convincing that cyclists will not be at greater risk.

Michael Heavey, Oxford Road, Old Marston, Oxford