LATE-night revellers boarding their taxis home could be facing hidden dangers, the Evening Press can reveal.

For a legal loophole is allowing drivers to work unlimited hours on North Yorkshire roads.

We have discovered that taxi drivers are not covered by Government legislation restricting the time cabbies can be behind the wheel.

And while lorry drivers have to adhere to strict conditions on their driving times, taxi drivers effectively have a free hand.

Over half of York's cab drivers are self-employed and masters of their own working hours.

Private hire workers can also take advantage of the loophole, as many firms allow drivers "free air" time to work independently.

But both taxi firms and drivers today pledged they were responsible and put the safety of passengers first.

Stephen North, manager of A Team, in Skeldergate, said: "The longest shift we allow is eight or nine hours and that's what most drivers do.

"Drivers are not on the road solidly throughout that time. Drivers can work free time as long as they have done their designated shift. Some do, some don't, it's up to them. However, 99 per cent of drivers are sensible."

Driver Dave Hendry, of Ebor taxis, said: "It's up to individuals but you don't normally have these shifts.

"It's stupid to drive while you are tired. There is a free air time scheme which is up to individuals.

"Long shifts might go on but I haven't heard of any trouble in our area."

A City of York council spokesman said: "Taxis are exempt from working practices legislation.

"We have no local control of hours save for a general condition saying that a driver must not take to the road if impaired by working excessive hours.

"There is no national legislation unlike that which covers other groups, such as lorry drivers.

"However, they do have duties under health and safety laws and we can act. There is a risk to licenses from this law."

Martin Hemenway, traffic manager for North Yorkshire Police's Central district, added: "All drivers have a responsibility to themselves and other road users.

"That must go as far as not working excessive hours and being fit for the job they are doing at the time."

Updated: 08:46 Friday, October 05, 2001