ROGUE taxi drivers are being targeted in a crackdown on unlicensed vehicles in Middlesbrough.

Middlesborough Council's licensing section issued details of vehicles caught in the operation involving Cleveland Police and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency.

Licensing committee chairman Councillor Bernie Taylor warned such vehicles were unsafe for carrying passengers and they would continue to prosecute the offenders.

"It's important that passengers should be aware of the risks of using unlicensed vehicles," he said.

One pirate cab driver is expected to be prosecuted for four offences including using a vehicle without insurance. Three unlicensed minibuses were stopped, resulting in 38 offences by drivers and owners.