MORE spot checks can be expected on a town's taxi ranks following a successful swoop by police and council officials.

Three pirate cab drivers were caught in the crackdown in central Middlesbrough.

One of them was already banned from driving and will now be prosecuted. All three were driving without a taxi licence.

Fourteen more drivers have been reported for plying for hire illegally and without insurance, and one private hire operator for operating illegally and without insurance.

The crackdown has been welcomed by Middlesbrough Hackney Association who say pirate operators are threatening members' livelihoods.

Treasurer Rashid Rahman said: "They are probably costing us about 20 per cent of our takings but if you start arguing with them they will target your car and you find your window may get broken."

He said of the swoop involving Cleveland Police and Middlesbrough Council officials:

"The council knows what the problem is - we tell them - and they have got the resources to do something about it."

Mr Rahman claims drivers banned from driving taxis sometimes dangerously switch to mini buses in which they can carry more passengers.

Other cabbies get their plates licensing them to drive in the neighbouring borough of Redcar and Cleveland, only to prey on Middlesbrough town centre where they are unlicensed to operate.

During the weekend spot check ten out of 16 vehicles failed an exhaust fume emission test and were suspended from operation while repairs were carried out.

Councillor Oliver Johnson, Middlesbrough Council's commissioner for the environment, said: "What went on here was effectively a spot check on the health of taxis which are an important cog in the public transport wheel in the conurbation.

"Our action ably supported by the police shows that we take our responsibilities to the travelling public seriously.

"We're determined to ensure that taxi operators stay within the rules and provide a proper service to their customers and also help us ensure that Middlesbrough's excellent air quality is not jeopardised.''

Coun Johnson said: "Both the trade and the travelling public can be assured we'll continue to be vigilant.''