Dozens of rogue cabbies have been taken off the streets of Blackpool after just one vehicle passed random safety tests.

Council licensing enforcement officers revealed the shock figures after a series of random spot-checks since June showed that just one of the 41 vehicles tested in the resort was deemed to be roadworthy.

Twenty-five of the cars targeted were taken off the road immediately, while the owners of a further 14 have been given five days to bring their vehicles up to standard.

The council - in association with Blackpool police - are now set to carry-out further random tests during 'peak' taxi hours as part of a safety crackdown being launched in the lead-up to the busy Christmas period.

Marked police cars will randomly stop vehicles and direct them to a depot in Layton where they will undergo a full 'pit stop' test witnessed by council licensing staff and uniformed officers.

Any vehicle found to have serious defects - such as faulty brakes and steering, exposed wiring, defective lights and faulty seatbelts - which would normally result in MOT failure - are issued with prohibition notices and immediately suspended from use.

Blackpool Council's portfolio holder for urban environment, Cllr Fred Jackson said: "The message is that anyone putting public safety at risk will be removed from the road and stopped from continuing their business until safety is ensured.

"This is one of the most robust campaigns occurring anywhere in the country and aims to drive standards up.

"Taxi operators are advised to take note that the council places a high regard on protecting the public."