TAXI drivers in Hyndburn are putting passengers at risk by not looking after their vehicles properly, it was claimed today.

Now a clampdown on the borough's private hire and hackney carriage taxis has begun after nine were taken off the road following spot checks.

The defects were spotted in a joint operation between Hyndburn Council and police, when 13 cars were pulled over.

The council has promised to protect the public using the borough's taxis.

One taxi firm which had a cab pulled over, checked and sent back out on the road, has welcomed the tests and said more checks should be done to keep people safe.

Andrew Baxter, manager of Accrington Taxis, Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, said: "What this should do is get people into gear and encourage them to get their cars to a standard that is safe.

"Everybody here has a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher, and keeps their licences up to date.

"A lot more firms should be doing that -- I am all for more checks."

The cabs were stopped last week, and taken to the council's vehicle maintenance unit, where faults were found on most, which meant they had to be suspended from use.

During tests, which the council admits are tougher then MOTs, numerous problems were found, ranging from defective lights, tyres, brakes and steering to poor bodywork.

One taxi was in such a poor state the police were forced to tow it away for repairs and a full MOT test.

Coun Ann Scaife, portfolio holder for environmental issues on Hyndburn Council, said: "This operation has clearly shown that some taxi drivers in Hyndburn are failing to maintain their vehicles to the standards required.

"We must ensure the safety of the travelling public and to this end we will continue to work in partnership with the Police in order to improve the standard of licensed private hire vehicles and hackney carriages."

All hackney and private hire vehicles in Hyndburn up to seven years old are checked every six months at the councils central vehicle maintenance unit.

Vehicles over seven years old are examined every four months. The council test includes checks on the bodywork and seat quality.