POLICE ordered four taxis off the road during a check on cabbies operating in Taunton.

The vehicles were deemed to have serious defects that presented a danger of injury to others, according to police.

A further four drivers were given verbal warnings for minor vehicle defects, while another taxi had its licence plates removed due to “defects and suitability issues”.

“A few” drivers were given warnings with regards to vehicle cleanliness by Taunton Deane Council’s licensing officers.

And HM Revenue and Customs officials, who interviewed all the drivers stopped in the operation, issued one cabbie with a tax bill relating to a previous operation.

PC Paul Baker said “most vehicles successfully steered untroubled through the operation”.

He added: “I thank all the taxi drivers for their assistance during our checks.

“Our aim is not to cause inconvenience but to ensure full compliance and keep the public safe.

“The majority of taxi drivers welcome our approach and even ask us to hold these random checks.

“We will be carrying further roadside checks with partner agencies in the future.”