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Officers from Chorley Council joined forces with the police and staff from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) to clamp-down on rogue drivers.

A number of taxis were stopped at a random checkpoint and a variety of problems were uncovered including worn tyres; defective brakes; an insecure battery and defective lights.

The blitz took place on Saturday evening and forced four taxis off the road - sparking a furious response from drivers who say they're being unfairly penalised.

Mohammed Sajid is the chairman of the Chorley Hackney Carriage Association and said that while he supported the drive for improved safety he said the punishment handed out did not fit the crime.

He said: "The spot checks were carried out on Saturday night. Two cars were taken off the rank, one for having a loose battery terminal.

"The car had just passed its MOT two weeks before and the driver lost a weekend's work. We're getting fed up.

"We don't have a problem with spot checks but why on a Saturday night? People have been speaking about strike action. It's our livelihoods they're messing with."