TRAFFIC police said they were disappointed after spot checks uncovered a high number of defects on taxis and private hire cars.

One vehicle in Whitby had to be taken off the road immediately when a serious steering fault was discovered during Operation Handsome.

Officers stopped 18 vehicles at random and examined them in the resort on Friday.

Defect notices for minor offences were issued to six drivers whose cars had problems such as faulty indicator lamps. Three delayed prohibitions were issued for steering and exhaust defects.