A PLEA is being made to the public for help as a town's licensed taxi drivers plan to protest about pirate operators.

Fed-up fee paying cabbies are demanding Middlesbrough Council forces rogue taxis and illegal mini buses, off the road.

They are organising a bumper-to- bumper slow drive through the town to demonstrate their anger, at about noon today.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety with Middlesbrough Council, said with 39 rogue drivers prosecuted over the past 12 months, costing offenders about £500 a time, members of Middlesbrough's Hackney Drivers' Association, should realise the council is working hard to beat the problem.

He is urging people booking a night out to report any approaches from unlicensed taxi drivers.

"The public too have a part to play and I would urge them to take care when they're planning a trip or a night out and only use licensed cabs. If members of the public are approached by unlicensed rogue taxi drivers this should be reported to the council,'' said Coun Coppinger.

He added: "Licensed cabs go through a stringent mechanical and safety test and their drivers are given health and criminal record checks and tested on their knowledge of the local area.

"Rogue drivers do not have any of these checks and so if you get in one of their vehicles you are putting yourself at risk. It is just not worth it.

"I can understand drivers' concerns, but I want them to know that enforcement action in Middlesbrough is as vigorous as in any town or city in the region.''

Cleveland Police said organisers had discussed a route to be taken by the protestors along Marton Road and Acklam Road and on to Ladgate Lane.