A SHORTAGE of taxis on one of the busiest nights of the year is putting people at risk and increasing drink-fuelled disorder, according to police.

Superintendent Mick Hartnack, area commander for police in Sunderland, said disorder in and around taxi ranks was the biggest problem for police during the New Year celebrations.

Supt Hartnack called for action after officers were called out to several drink-and-disorder offences in the city over the weekend.

As thousands of revellers packed into the city centre to see in the New Year, scores found themselves without transport home after closing time.

A shortage of taxis led to drunken rows between impatient customers at ranks and the disorder threatened to spill over into violence.

Superintendent Hartnack said: "This is not just a seasonal problem but a weekly problem which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency."

Taxi operators said drivers were unwilling to work the busiest shifts because they were not paid extra and also feared trouble.