SPOT safety checks were carried out on taxis and private hire vehicles in Redditch.

The recent inspections were performed in a joint operation between Redditch Council, the police, and the Department of Transport. A total of 21 vehicles underwent a detailed examination and six were found to have faults such as defective tyres. Drivers were told these would need to be rectified immediately.

The licences of two vehicles were suspended and radio equipment from four vehicles was detained. And drivers of four vehicles will be subject to investigation by the Housing Benefits Agency.

A council spokesman said: "Any vehicles failing an inspection are of concern. However this shows a continuing improvement on previous similar exercises."