Inspectors hit the streets of Chichester to find taxis that were not roadworthy or did not meet the conditions of their licences.

Customs and Excise officers were also on duty with a mobile fuel testing laboratory to check for any red diesel – which is diesel used for farm machinery – in the fuel tanks.

Three taxis were taken off the road after the day-long operation by police and council officers.

One car was stopped because of suspected insurance irregularities, but closer inspection found the vehicle to be unroadworthy.

The other two were not roadworthy because of brake defects.

As a result Chichester District Council suspended the taxi licences of the individual drivers.

The council also issued seven improvement notices. Drivers can continue to use their taxis, but they have to fix problems with their vehicles as soon as possible.

Improvement notices were issued for problems such as defective lights, bumper damage, an insecure vehicle battery and for not carrying a fire extinguisher.

Councillor Heather Caird, in charge of health for Chichester District Council, said: 'This is the first time we have carried out a joint operation to look at taxis in the district and, although there were some vehicles taken off the road, it is good to see the majority of taxis are well maintained and comply with the conditions of the licence.

'Chichester District Council will only licence London-style cabs as Hackney carriages, and many of these vehicles have already had a long life working on the streets of the capital before they come to Chichester.

'If drivers purchase older vehicles, they can expect that maintenance costs are going to be much higher, and they have a duty to keep their vehicles roadworthy.'

Inspector Phil Nicholas, from the Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit in Chichester, said: 'It is essential all the vehicles used for this public service are properly licensed, insured, maintained and driven safely.'