TAXI drivers are to be prosecuted following an undercover operation.

Middlesbrough Council officials posing as passengers found four taxis from outside the area plying for hire, four private hire cars picking up passengers and one unlicensed driver.

Licensing rules mean that only taxis licensed by Middlesbrough Council can ply for hire in the borough, while private hire vehicles are only able to pick up passengers who have made a booking.

The nine drivers caught during the one-night operation are to be prosecuted.

Councillor Ron Lowes, a member of the council's cabinet, said: "There's a serious issue of public safety at stake here as drivers who are breaking the rules won't have the benefit of full insurance cover if there's an accident.''

He added: "The drivers caught over the weekend will now be prosecuted and the licensing committee will have to review their licenses in the light of any penalties.

"This should act as a warning to all drivers that we mean to enforce the rules fairly and vigorously.''