'Disappointment' over cab defects
Spot checks on taxis and private hire vehicles in Bristol have found a number of defects, including damaged lights and bald tyres.
More than 60 cabs were stopped, 11 were given prohibition notices and seven had their taxi operator plates taken away - taking them off the road.
Three drivers were given fixed penalty notices and one received a vehicle defect notice from police.
A council spokesman said it was "disappointing" to find so many faults.
'Defective tyres'
Ian Wilkinson added: "It is clear that a minority of drivers are failing to make the most elementary safety checks on their vehicles.
"On a wet night in January it was disappointing to find so many vehicles used in public service with dangerously defective tyres and poor lighting especially as this check came hard on the heels of our pre-Christmas one."
A prohibition notice is issued by police or Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) inspectors prohibiting the driving or towing of that vehicle on public roads.
It stays in force until it is removed by prior appointment at an official vehicle testing centre.
Taxi drivers who had their plates removed have to submit their vehicle to a roadworthiness test before regaining them.
Bristol City Council taxi licensing officers, police and VOSA staff took part in the operation.
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