50 vehicles stopped during multi-agency operation.
Police in Honiton, Exmouth and Exeter have been cracking down a taxi drivers flouting the law during a two-day operation.
Five taxis cabs were stopped from being used during the operation, which saw officers join forces with VOSA (The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), immigration and HM Revenue and Customs Fuel Testing.
A total of 50 vehicles were stopped.
Of these 23 were found to be in order – 27 were committing offences ranging from defective lights, to the driver not having an identity badge.
Those which were prohibited from being used immediately had defects such as having a defective tyre, having a loose battery or failing to carry a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said, “Anyone who is a fare paying passenger should expect to be able to travel in safety.
“For the police to put vehicles off the road immediately demonstrates how seriously we treat breaches of the regulations but we will work hard to prevent the public being at risk.”
Police say further checks could take place in the future.
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