SPOT-CHECKS were carried out on taxis across Clacton to make sure they were safe and up-to-scratch.

Tendring Council officers hit the road last week to carry out the vehicle health checks.

They joined forces with Vehicle and Operator Services Agency for the operation and were only forced to hand out a couple of minor advisory notices to taxi drivers in the town.

Pam Sambridge, chairman of Tendring Council’s licensing committee, hailed the results as excellent news for Clacton.

She said: “Taxis, for many people, are a vital part of the public transport network in the district and give many residents, especially the elderly, the opportunity of independent and flexible travel to visit shops, relatives or friends.

“It really is reassuring to know that the taxis they use are safe and well maintained.”