FOURTEEN taxi drivers are to be prosecuted following a joint operation launched by police and council officials to catch pirate operators.

All 14 are accused of plying for hire in Middlesbrough, illegally, and without the correct insurance. Three were reported for not having taxi licences and one was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Cleveland Police officers and taxi licence enforcement officials from Middlesbrough Council ordered 19 taxis off the road because of light and tyre defects. Two drivers were given fixed penalty tickets, a third, who already had nine points on a driving licence, was warned of prosecution.

A total of 29 cabs tested met emission requirements.

Ed Chicken, the council's public protection manager, said: "This was one of a series of exercises which show we are determined to ensure the safety of the travelling public and make the trade aware of their responsibilities. We will continue this high level of vigilance."