NOT one taxi tested in Pendle passed a council spot check last month, it has been revealed.

And today, the man behind the random quality control checks urged cab drivers to take more responsibility to ensure cars are up to scratch.

Imitiaz Ahmed, Pendle Council's taxi enforcement officer hit out after seeing all 20 vehicles tested in the last four weeks fail spot checks, which examine every aspect of the car's condition, ranging from bodywork to brakes.

Under licensing rules, cabs under three years old are tested once a year and taxis over three years every six months.

Drivers are obliged to fix any faults highlighted before offering services to the public.

Mr Ahmed said: "Drivers are not looking after the vehicles so we are sending them down for random spot checks.

"They get a six month test or a one year. But for the next six months they are not looking after the cars. Every single one I've sent for a random test failed. It might be a couple of minor faults, the cars were roadworthy.

"It is the responsibility of operators and owners to look after the vehicles. They have responsibilities, it is a public service they are providing.

"They should do regular checks. These vehicles are on the road 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They've got to be roadworthy all the time."

But chairman of the Pendle Taxi Association Mohammed Akram insisted drivers wanted more spot checks and were due to meet today to discuss the inspection findings

He said: "Everybody has the responsibility to look after their own vehicle.

"One thing we have already discussed is that there are not enough spot checks by the taxi enforcement officer and some vehicles are being missed."

Pendle Council's taxi licensing committee will discuss the situation at Nelson Town Hall on November 30 at 7pm.