SIR — My daughter and four friends rang for a taxi in the early hours of a Friday morning from Winchester Station to bring them home to Ropley, with a drop-off in Alresford.

A fare of £35 was agreed, and cash asked for up front.

This was complied with, but after two males were dropped in Alresford, the taxi driver demanded a further £12 to continue the journey. The meter was reading £25.

The three girls did not have any more cash, and asked to be dropped as far as the £35 would take them.

This was on the roundabout at Ropley, the main A31, at 3am.

They felt vulnerable, unsafe, and cold walking the mile or so home.

Making enquiries to the taxi firm who accepted the fare, they were asked for the licence plate, taxi driver’s licence number, and description of the taxi, and driver. Unfortunately, the passengers had not taken down any of the above, and I have to say, I never have either.

It isn’t a police or British Transport Police matter, as it was outside the station from where they made the call.

CCTV footage was requested, but at that time of night, it is trained on the registry offices.

Winchester City Council, who issue the taxi companies with their licences, have been very helpful, but unable to confirm who the driver was, without my daughter going out late at night with them to try and identifying the driver. This is not viable.

The taxi company deny they ever accepted the fare.

So, my advice to avoid this happening to others, take down the licence numbers, and ask for a receipt for the fare.

What happened that night was totally unacceptable.

Mrs J Harris.

Petersfield Road, Ropley.