Taxis banned after police checks

Officers taking part in spot checks on Hackney and private hire taxi cabs in Pendle had to ban 12 vehicles due to bald tyres, Lancashire Police said.

More than 40 vehicles were examined with a number of serious and minor defects being discovered.

In all 12 prohibition notices were issued - six of these took immediate effect with the vehicles being taken off the road.

Pendle Borough Council also temporarily suspended 11 taxi licences.

A high number of the taxis had further minor defects including not having first aid kits and drivers not wearing their identification badges.

Sgt Martin Bishop said: "It has clearly identified that a number of taxi drivers and operators are putting the public safety at risk

"One expects compliance with the basic standards. We are very disappointed with what we found. Further activity will be taking place to ensure such standards are met."