Thousands of pounds in fines have already been levied against unlicensed taxi operators in Middlesbrough.

Council bosses in the town secured almost 70 convictions against drivers in the first six months of this year.

Middlesbrough Borough Council says it is using officers posing as customers to track down so-called pirates who are endangering the public.

Pam Ross, principal licensing officer with the council, said: "We have had people who haven't got any licences whatsoever, commonly known as pirates, trying to earn a fast buck.

Public at risk

"We mounted a series of campaigns and our secret weapons are officers from the council used as passengers.

"If people use the wrong type of cab they are taking a journey for which, if there is an accident, they are not insured."

Cabbie Rasip Afzal condemned rogue operators for putting the lives of the public at risk.

He said: "People are also putting themselves at risk.

"There have been incidents of people being attacked in unlicensed cabs.

"Enforcement officers are getting a grip on the situation, but it is still a problem."

Ms Ross urged potential taxi passengers to only use cabs which displayed council-issued badges.