TAXI drivers could find their livelihoods under threat if they fail to adhere to licensing regulations.

Sedgefield Borough Council has vowed to clamp down on taxi firms whose vehicles and drivers fail to meet the required standards.

Working with the police, the council's licensing department aims to tighten up regulations for all taxis in the borough for the benefit of customers and the industry.

Jane Gilliead, principal licensing officer, said: "Enforcement has been stepped up greatly over the last few months and, long term, everyone should benefit.

"Public safety is paramount in our minds. People who use a taxi need to know they are in a safe vehicle being driven by a fit and proper person.

"This should help improve the image of taxis and level out fares, which the good taxi firms will benefit from."

To launch the enforcement drive, the council teamed up with police and officers from other agencies last month for a one-night operation.

Between 6pm and midnight on Friday, October 21, 51 taxis were taken into a depot at Chilton for spot checks.

Officers from the council and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency ensured that drivers held taxi drivers' licences and displayed current badges and vehicles plates.

Police made sure every vehicle was roadworthy, insured and there were no outstanding offences. Customs and Excise personnel dipped fuel tanks and found no red diesel in use.

Two officers from the Department for Work and Pensions also ran checks on all the drivers who were stopped on the night, which resulted in five files opened for suspected benefit fraud cases.

Mrs Gilliead said: "All the partners are working together to tighten up across the board and start enforcing laws that already exist.

"There are about 190 taxis we didn't see on the night but we will get around to them. We will make appointments so they have to come and have their vehicles and documents checked."

In the coming months, the council will work with taxi firms to calibrate meters for the first time in five years, to standardise fares in line with increasing business costs.

There are also plans to improve links between enforcement agencies and the industry with the launch of a taxi forum.