LICENSING chiefs are hailing surprise checks on taxis in Selby district a success.

Two vehicles were taken off the road following the checks, which were carried out as part of Operation Helical 2, on Friday night.

The enforcement checks were carried out across the district between 6pm and midnight, with 39 cars vetted.

Two private hire cars were taken off the road after they were found to have defective brakes by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), which ensures motor vehicles meet road safety standards. Four other vehicles were found to have minor faults, which must now be put right. They were allowed to remain on the road.

Two further drivers were issued with fixed penalty notices for failure to display proper lighting. A member of the public was also given a fixed penalty notice after parking in a taxi rank.

Tim Grogan, the licensing officer for Selby District Council, hailed the action a triumph. He said the checks had been carried out in across the district, in Sherburn-in-Elmet and Tadcaster, as well as in Selby town centre.

He said two members of his enforcement team were assisted by a council mechanic, two VOSA mechanics and police officers. "I think the operation was a success," he said. "It was welcomed by the taxi drivers.

"I was happy to see that none of the hackney carriages required removal from the road. There were one or two minor issues that taxi drivers are putting right. There were a couple of issues with private hire vehicles, which I'll be following up."

He said there would be another round of checks within the next nine months.

Traffic Sergeant Nigel Atkinson, of the central area road policing group, which covers Selby and York, said: "These type of multi-agency checks are highly effective in rooting out dangerous and defective vehicles and also getting the clear message across that all vehicles must be in a roadworthy condition.

"On this occasion, we focused on taxis and private hire vehicles, as it is particularly essential that these vehicles are safe to use by members of the public. The multi-agency checks will be an ongoing feature throughout the Selby and York districts in the coming months - so be warned."