The results of a major operation designed to protect passengers could lead to private hire taxi drivers in Chorley facing prosecution.

Chorley Borough Council and the police conducted an investigation in a bid to find out how many private hire taxis would flout licensing laws and take passengers without prior booking.

The operation was carried out with the help of the council's team of Neighbourhood Wardens who acted as 'test' passengers, flagging down private hire vehicles.

Under licensing laws, only hackney carriages can pick up fares by being flagged down in the street or by waiting at a taxi rank. Private hire vehicles can only operate through a prior booking.

But councillor Ralph Snape, Chorley's executive member for licensing, revealed: "This operation found that a small minority of private hire drivers were prepared to take passengers without a booking having been made with the operator.

"These drivers have been reported and a decision will be made on whether they will be prosecuted."

The council has issued a checklist to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers using taxis during the Christmas festivities.

And it says it intends to carry out similar operations in the future.

For more information about licensed vehicles, people can log onto Chorley Borough Council's website at www.chorley.gov.uk.

If anyone has any concerns about any aspect of taxi operations they can contact the council's licensing section on 01257 515161/3/4.