PARTY-GOERS on Teesside have been warned to watch out for pirate taxis and minibuses after a survey found some vehicles were unsafe.

One minibus stopped by Middlesbrough Council licensing officers had four defective tyres while others had suspension problems, defective brakes, missing wheel nuts and fuel leaks.

Police are advising people to book taxis or minibuses and to check that they are travelling in a licensed vehicle.

They have also called on revellers to alert them if they have any concerns about a driver or vehicle.

Council licensing officers, Cleveland Police and the Vehicle Inspectorate recently targeted the weekend minibus and taxi trade and carried out checks on 27 vehicles.

Drivers were reported for a total of 43 offences and eight cars were in such a bad state of repair drivers were given immediate prohibition notices, taking them off the road.

Another two drivers received delayed prohibitions, giving the owners the chance to put the faults right or face a ban from the road.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, the council's executive member for public protection, said "The feedback from this exercise makes grim reading and full marks to the licensing section, police and Vehicle Inspectorate for doing these checks.

"At this time of year, many people go out and enjoy themselves and sensibly leave the car at home if they want to drink.

"We are determined to ensure they can travel safely."

Coun Coppinger urged people to be vigilant over the holiday period and look out for distinctive plates and badges, which licensed drivers carry.

He added: "Most of all, if anyone gets approached by someone touting for business then they should walk away.

"It is highly likely that the person is a pirate driver. He won't have gone through any police checks, you won't know what state his car is in or what he might charge. It could be a very sad end to your evening."

Only black and yellow Hackney cabs are insured to pick people off the street without pre-booking in Teesside.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "We would always urge members of the public to ensure they are using a bona fide taxi firm before they even get in the vehicle."