People are being warned not to get into unlicensed taxis.

The warning follows criminal prosecutions on Teesside against cabbies driving without insurance.

Councillor Bernie Taylor, chairman of Middlesbrough Council's Licensing Committee, said: "It is important that passengers should be aware of the risks of using unlicensed vehicles.

"At best, they could be overcharged, at worst they could find themselves involved in an accident with no means of claiming compensation."

There have been 67 convictions involving taxi firms in Middlesbrough in the past six months.

Offences included nine drivers illegally plying for hire, four from neighbouring Redcar and Cleveland. Another case involved an unregistered driver who had no insurance.

The driver was disqualified for three years as he had previous convictions.

Other cases included 13 drivers who were convicted of operating with no insurance and six of permitting a car to be used without insurance. Six drivers were convicted of operating unlicensed vehicles.

Total fines incurred amounted to £12,500, with total costs of £7,294.