TAXI drivers in Banbury and Bicester have been warned to keep their licences and insurance up to date after council officers carried out spot checks in the towns.

More than a dozen drivers were caught and warned over two nights for a range of breaches, including failing to display ID badges and out of date insurance details.

Council staff, joined by local police officers, checked taxis to make sure vehicle plates matched drivers' registration documents, and that the latter were up-to-date.

In Banbury town centre on Friday June 24th, 17 taxis were stopped and eight were found to have minor issues.

A council spokesman said one driver was ordered to display his ID badge who had it hidden from view, while another was sent home as he did not have one available to show officers.

A day later in Bicester, officers visited three taxi firms to check on vehicles before stopping 11 cars during checks.

Six drivers were warned for issues with their licences.

Cherwell District Council lead member for public protection Tony Ilott said the operation was a "big success" and similar checks would be carried out throughout the year.

He added: "We take the licensing of our taxi drivers incredibly seriously and it is one of our top priorities to ensure that all drivers are fully compliant and properly licensed.

"Cherwell is committed to ensuring that its residents feel as secure and comfortable as possible when travelling by taxi.

"The vast majority of Cherwell’s drivers are very happy to work with us on compliance. They know it is in everyone’s best interests for them to offer customers an excellent service.

"Concurrently with these spot checks we are also consulting on the introduction of a new policy attaching further conditions to taxi licences."

Drivers were also checked to make sure Hackney meters were sealed and roof lights were switched on.

The council are also set to introduce a new fit and proper person test for taxi drivers in North Oxfordshire to give more protection to passengers.

Under the new licensing policy there would be new safeguarding training to make drivers more alert to the risks passengers face, and encourage vigilance when reporting any misconduct or criminal activity.

The council are currently holding a public consultation on the new policy.

At present, taxi drivers will get an infringement notice if they are breach of their licence conditions, but under the new system they would be given penalty points which can lead to their licence being suspended or revoked.