Illegal taxis were targeted in an operation led by police and licensing officers.

During the operation, police worked with licensing officers from Hertsmere Borough Council conducting checks on Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in the town.

Taxis working throughout the evening were taken to the civic centre car park, where the vehicles were checked for faults or defects, while background and licence checks on the drivers are also carried out.

A total of 34 taxis were stopped with a small number being issued with traffic offence reports or rectification notices for matters such as minor vehicle defects.

Two drivers had their licences temporarily suspended for minor defects and other reasons, including not having a first aid kit.

PC James Wood, who led the operation, said: “This was a successful operation with a large number of taxis being stopped during the evening.

"Overall, the standard of the taxi vehicles was high and the ones where fault was found only needed minor repairs or changes to make them acceptable.

“The message is going out to taxi drivers across the county that they will be found out if they do not comply with the law and they may also be liable for a fine if their vehicle does not meet the required standards.”