EVEN out of ten taxis stopped for safety checks in Rossendale were so dangerous they were immediately banned from the road.

Police also discovered a stolen car and found two drivers were working and claiming benefits at the same time.

"We have carried out these operations in the past but the scale of the problem on this occasion has been quite worrying," said PC Rod Graham, of Rossendale road policing unit.

"All the prohibited vehicles were in a dangerous condition and yet they were still being used to carry members of the public around.

"We have received complaints from members of the public who quite rightly expect to be carried in safe vehicles."

The list of defects included defective brakes and tyres, a fractured engine mounting, defective suspension and seat belts not working properly.

The police were accompanied on the checks by a Rossendale Council taxi enforcement officer and a Benefits Agency official.

It is expected further operations will be carried out in the near future.