FOUR dangerous taxis were pulled off the road following spot checks in Hyndburn.
They were found to have worn brakes and suspension and faulty tyres.
Officers from Hyndburn Council's licensing unit joined traffic police in the crackdown last Friday night when 20 vehicles were stopped at random and checked for three hours.
Two of the four were allowed back on the road after repairs were carried out.
One vehicle was even found to have different-sized wheels fitted to the front and rear axles.
A further eight drivers received defect notices for minor problems including faulty light bulbs, missing first-aid kits and bodywork damage.
The taxis had to be presented to the council's licensing unit on Tuesday or face suspension.
Chief Inspector Alan Wylie said: "The taxi trade plays an important role in conveying people who wish to enjoy the night-time entertainment in Hyndburn.
"Our contribution to road and public safety is in ensuring hackney carriages and private hire cars are safe."
Steve Todd, chief environmental services officer for Hyndburn Council, added: "A licence from the council is an indication that a member of the public is entering a safe vehicle driven by a properly vetted driver.
"This operation allows us to inspect the vehicles in their operational condition on a busy Bank Holiday weekend, not as they are when pre-prepared for their six-monthly licence check.
"The fact that 20 vehicles were fully inspected in a three-hour period is an excellent example of the police and the council co-operating to use resources to best effect in enforcing road safety within the taxi fleet."
