HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned about bogus taxi drivers taking passengers to Manchester Airport return for as little as £20.

The warning comes after two complaints to Rossendale Borough Council from legitimate taxi firms about unlicensed cabbies undercutting their prices.

A return trip to the airport from Haslingden usually costs around £30, but illegal operators are often charging around £10 less.

Licensing bosses at the council say the bogus vehicle's insurance may not be valid and people may be placing their lives at risk.

Craig Fairbrother, Rossendale Council's licensing manager, said: "It's holiday season so illegal operators come out of hiding to make money.

"They might start off doing runs for friends and family and recouping some of the petrol costs, which is fine.

"But some are doing it on a semi-commercial basis. They advertise locally using flyers and business cards in pubs.

"The bargain fares they advertise may seem like a good deal but if their badly maintained vehicle brakes down en route or get involved in an accident you might find the driver isn't licensed or the vehicle insured.

"Some of them are drivers who have been refused a license by us because they are not a fit and proper person."

He stressed that all reputable operators and holiday companies use licensed vehicles and legitimate taxis must have an MOT twice a year and the driver have a driving skills test, and is vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau.

The vehicle should have a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire plate and the driver should be displaying a photograph badge issued by the council.