SPOT checks were carried out on taxis across the town - and some drivers were immediately suspended.

Council officers, police and civil servants conducted detailed record checks on drivers and made sure their vehicles were roadworthy.

A total number of 22 hackney carriages and 53 private hire vehicles were checked stopped in the town centre at Bridge Foot, Mersey Street, Battersby Lane and Cockhedge Way, and also at Birchwood.

Most of the drivers met all the rules but five vehicles were deemed unroadworthy, four drivers were suspended until they could produce a valid badge, and one benefit claim was stopped.

Clr Jeff Richards, board member for environment said: "This is a major borough-wide crackdown and we are targeting all taxi and private hire vehicles.

"We will take the necessary action to promote greater confidence in public transport."