TAXI drivers in Rossendale face a police safety clampdown over the next few weeks but will be given an opportunity to ensure their vehicles are safe before checks begin.

Similar operations over the past 18 months found that up to 80 per cent of taxis in the Valley were unsafe. As a result of those shocking statistics, Rossendale Council brought in new safety rules regarding the age of taxis on the road.

The agreement states all vehicles must be less than five years at first registration and have a working life of seven years, 364 days. All are subject to three taxi tests per year after three years, which will be reviewed in 12 months time.

The move angered local drivers who held a series of go-slows through the streets of the borough in an attempt to get the agreement overruled. They were unsuccessful and it remains in place.

PC Rod Graham, of the Pennine Division Road Policing Unit, said: "Since we started these operations the standard and safety of taxis has improved. However, it is some time since the last checks were made and we want to ensure that they are still up to the required mark.

"These checks are done entirely for the safety of the travelling public, those using the taxis and other road users.

"We will be looking to ban unroadworthy vehicles but those with just minor defects will have nothing to worry about. We will not say when the operation will take place, but it will be in the near future.

"We have done these check before, so drivers know what to expect. Hopefully they will take note and make sure that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition"

If a vehicle fails any part of the test it could mean a licence endorsement for the driver and owner of the vehicle, which could be taken off the road.