ONE in ten taxis stopped and checked in a clampdown had serious defects and were taken off the road.

About 50 taxis in York were examined under a joint operation by police, the Benefits Agency, City of York Council taxi licensing department, the Vehicle Inspectorate and Customs and Excise.

The Vehicle Inspectorate issued seven cabs with prohibition notices, five of which were immediate. Fourteen further notices for infringement of licensing regulations were issued by the taxi licensing department.