Eleven cab drivers who were deemed to be putting the public in danger by operating illegally had their licences suspended immediately during a crackdown in Bradford city centre.

Police special constables joined forces with officers from Bradford Council’s hackney carriage and private hire licensing team to carry out random spot checks on vehicles in Vicar Lane and Westgate.

Of 53 drivers stopped and checked throughout the day, 11 were immediately suspended by enforcement officers for problems such as document offences and vehicle defects. Six drivers were also given advice by officers. Despite inquiries from the Telegraph & Argus to both West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council, neither was able to say how many of the vehicles were hackney carriages and how many were private hire vehicles.

Bradford South special constabulary senior section officer Gerry Slade said those caught with faulty vehicles during Saturday’s operation were “putting passengers’ lives at risk.”

He said: “On top of those suspended, a number of fixed penalty tickets were also issued as part of this operation.

“One driver received a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for having defective tyres. Another was handed a defect rectification notice for having insufficient tread allowing a period of time to have it fixed or face prosecution.

“Of the drivers we stopped and spoke to, a majority of their vehicles were of good standard and happy to co-operate in the operation.

“It is imperative, however that those who are not operating within the law are identified as they are potentially putting their passengers’ safety in jeopardy. These checks mean we can catch any defects on cars used for public transport early while ensuring that drivers are keeping to the terms of their licence.”

Bradford Special Constabulary acting section officer Sarah Acton said they also made 32 stop checks on general motorists in the city.

“One vehicle was seized for the driver not having a licence and he was summonsed to court. Another was summonsed for failing to wear a seatbelt.

“Various fixed penalty tickets were issued for those driving with faulty tyres and lights. Others were handed tickets for driving whilst being on a mobile phone and for not wearing seat belts. Each of these carries a fine of £60 and a three points.

“This is an example of the good partnership work between the Council and the police and underlines our efforts to ensure taxis and private hire vehicles are safe”