MOTORING experts are calling for stricter monitoring of private hire taxi drivers operating in Bolton.

The Bolton branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists - a charity which runs driving courses for licensed drivers - has slammed the standards of many private hire drivers in the borough.

The group says many flout the Highway Code, ignore speed limits and dodge speed cameras.

It is calling for Bolton Council to raise standards and test the drivers' motoring skills before allowing them to carry passengers.

Chairman Roy Sammons said: "There are private hire drivers who will openly acknowledge that some of the rules of the road do not apply to them. They can tell you the location of every fixed speed and red light camera and whether it is operational.

"Only at these places does the Highway Code apply to them. Everywhere else speed limits are ignored and amber gambling' and red light running' is a frequent happening.

"They risk overtaking on blind bends and perform U-turns anywhere, no matter who they inconvenience. These priver hire taxis perform an essential service to the community but at what risk to their passengers and other road users?"

Mr Sammons said the group received more complaints about the driving of mini-cab drivers than any other group of motorists.

The council says it is considering introducing tests to assess private hire drivers' skills.

Mustak Bhuta, of Bolton Private Hire Association, said his group was unwilling to comment on the situation. But Yvonne Jackson, who runs Moor Lane Bestway Taxis in Bolton, defended her fellow drivers.

"It is very unfair to tar all private hire drivers with the same brush. As in all professions, you have the good and the bad," she said.

"All private hire drivers are tested on their knowledge of the area and have their driving skills assessed before the. It's in our interest to ensure our passengers are happy with the service we provide so that they will use us again. "

A council spokesman said it tested anyone who applied for a hackney and private hire driver licences by asking them to undertake a knowledge test in the presence of an enforcement officer from the Licensing Unit.

He said: "The test does not assess their driving skills. Our staff are not qualified to do this and all applicants must have held a full UK driving licence for at least 12 months.

"We are intending to review the test as outside bodies, which are able to assess driving skill, now offer taxi' driver tests to assist local authorities. This will be part of a package of measures."