JOEL Delacy raised a number of questions about wayward taxi drivers, and possible solutions to the problem (South China Morning Post, February 17). On the question of covering the meter, this legally means that the taxi is not for hire - even if the roof ''TAXI'' sign is illuminated. The roof sign, which must be illuminated at night, is wired directly to the lights and the meter. Only when the meter is activated does the sign go off. Drivers working for taxi companies will not put the meter on when out of service because they will have to account for the fare. Consideration is being given to changing the taxi meter design so that drivers can switch off the illuminated sign without activating the meter. If an ''Out of Service'' taxi driver negotiates a hire, he commits an offence. Police conduct regular crackdowns on wayward drivers, but the real solution is for more members of the public to report offences. Reports can be made to a patrolling police officer, at any police station, or on the Police Hotline 527 7177. If it is inconvenient for the complainant to make an immediate statement, this can be arranged at a later date. ERIC LOCKEYEAR for Commissioner of Police
