Police, council staff and officers from the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) took part in a joint operation over the weekend and they've just published the results.

They set up a checkpoint and carried out spot checks targeting taxi and private hire drivers in the town centre.

They stopped 18 drivers and inspected their vehicles for any defects which could pose a danger to passengers.

Of those stopped, 12 were not complying with licensing conditions and drivers were warned for offences including missing signs, for not carrying a fire extinguisher and for their vehicles having dirty interiors.

The checks also found that seven taxis had defects such as broken lights and eight had faults that would fail an MOT.

The safety team issued three fixed penalty notices for seat belt offences and ordered all drivers to put the faults right within a week.

Coun Iris Smith, chairman of Chorley Council's licensing committee, said: "We hope this sends out a message that all taxi drivers need to comply with the law.

"Passenger safety is of paramount importance to us and we will not tolerate drivers who drive taxis that put members of the public at risk.

"Although it was disappointing to see some taxis being driven with defects it was reassuring to hear that none had to be taken off the road."

Council chiefs say the random checks were set up without notice to taxi drivers and each check took on average less than 10 minutes to minimise disruption.