The news that 40 per cent of taxis in Worcester are in a dangerous condition has been described as "diabolical" and "scandalous" - and rightly so.

The travelling public have a right to expect that, when they use any mode of public transport, all possible steps have been taken to ensure they arrive at their destination in one piece - but a the moment, that is not the case.

The Government is partly to blame for this state of affairs. It has eased the rules on taxis, making it easier for what one reputable driver describes as "cowboys" to slip through.

But the main culprits are the rogue cabbies themselves. These are people who think driving people around is an easy way to make a living, but don't consider the obligations that come with the role.

Taxi drivers have more responsibility than their counterparts in, say, the rail industry because they usually own and operate their own vehicles.

There's no excuse for taking those vehicles out on the streets of Worcester, either knowing that their tyres are too low, their lights are faulty or there's oil leaking from their engines - or, just as appallingly, simply not knowing or caring what state their car is in.

It's time these cowboy cabbies and the deathtraps they drive were taken off the road, and we applaud Worcester City Council for cracking down on them vigorously.

But with the proportion of dangerous cars remaining stubbornly steady, it seems some drivers are taking a while to get the message.

So until cab drivers can be persuaded not to be cavalier about other people's safety, perhaps it's worth sneaking a peek at the tread on the tyres the next time you board a taxi.