A CRACKDOWN on danger taxis in Hyndburn has resulted in 19 vehicles being ordered off the road.

The six-hour swoop was a joint operation by police, Hyndburn Council and the Benefits Agency.

Out of 26 private hire and hackney carriages examined, 13 were suspended from being used as taxis, two were immediately banned from being used for any purpose on the road, a further four were suspended until repairs were carried out and one vehicle was found to be unlicensed.

Defects discovered by police and council examiners ranged from faulty brakes, steering lights and wipers to fuel leaks and bald tyres.

As a result of the operation, one driver is also being investigated by the Benefits Agency for claiming benefits while working.

Sergeant Nigel Walker, traffic sergeant for Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, said : "I am extremely disappointed with the results. Standards appear to be poor and getting no better.

"These operations are carried out to ensure the safety of passengers using taxis. The defects found on these vehicles last night could have compromised that safety.

"I will be seeking further liaison with Hyndburn Council to see if we can come up with some form of strategy to improve the standards for the safety of people using them."

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