A crackdown on licensed taxis in Diss has been hailed a success.

Seventeen drivers were pulled over and their taxis were inspected and licences checked on Friday as part of an operation to ensure drivers had the correct paperwork in place and vehicles were safe and roadworthy.

The operation was conducted by Norfolk Constabulary, South Norfolk Council Licensing Officers, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), Customs and Excise and the Environment Agency.

Officers found the standard of all the vehicles as good with only minor infringements for badges and broken cab-for-hire lights noted.

Robert Savage, chairman of the South Norfolk Council Licensing Committee, said: 'This operation was a success. It is important we check that the taxi licensing scheme is working and to give customers the confidence that cabs in Diss and elsewhere in South Norfolk are safe.'

'Since the operation, we have received concerns that there are other operators who are not complying with the law, and we are following those up. As a result, drivers can also rest assured there will be more operations like this, not only in Diss, but elsewhere in the district throughout the year.'