TAXIS in a dangerous condition have been ordered off the road following random safety checks.

Eight cabs stopped by police and Government vehicle examiners during a five-hour operation on Teesside, were found to be so defective they were put under immediate prohibition orders.

The private hire cars and taxis will only be able to go back on the roads when they have been re-tested following a programme of repairs.

The enforcement campaign also resulted in the suspension of seven taxi licences and four drivers reported for falsely claiming benefits.

Sergeant David Henry, of Langbaurgh police, said: "These results should not put the public off using taxis, but act as a warning to operators who flaunt the regulations that police and other agencies will act positively to ensure public safety."

He added that the majority of taxis on the road within Redcar and Cleveland were of a high standard.