A NEW blitz on dangerous taxis has been launched in Blackburn.

Council enforcement officers teamed up with the police and Vehicle Inspectorate staff to man a spot-check point in the town centre yesterday.

Fifteen vehicles, a mix of private hire and black hackney carriages, were pulled over into the check area, set up on the Church Street car park.

Five drivers had their taxi licences suspended immediately until repairs were carried out on their vehicles and verified by council inspectors.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for citizens' rights, said: "It is very important for everyone who uses taxis that they know they are travelling in safe vehicles.

"Drivers know that we are carrying out checks. There is no excuse for driving a dangerous vehicle."