Police have praised taxi drivers in Oxford after stopping and checking cabs in the city.

Of 76 vehicles examined, only one had to be taken off the road, and 11 were served notices for minor violations such as substandard tyres or headlights.

Officers checked cars in High Street, Oxpens and Cowley Road, in a joint operation by the police, the city council and the Vehicle Operating Standards Agency.

Oxford crime reduction officer Nick Gilbert said: "Drivers were very helpful and friendly, and universally understood the importance of why we were doing these safety checks."

He added: "There are a few rogue drivers operating without a licence or in defective taxis who sully the reputation of the vast majority of law-abiding and professional drivers, who provide a vital service for the night-time economy and a safe way home for our residents.

"The standard of cabs was high on the whole, which is excellent news for Oxford as we enter the Christmas period where buses and taxis will be heavily relied upon by revellers."

City council licensing officer Phil Pirouet said: "Our advice is, for your own safety, only hail a black cab or pre-book a licensed private hire vehicle.

"You can check that the vehicle you are getting into is licensed by the licence plate on the back or the number on the door or side window."

Hannah James, operator for 001 Taxis, in St Aldate's, said: "A lot of our taxi drivers have been checked by police and they all passed.

"Our drivers must report to our office daily so the transport manager can carry out relevant safety and tax checks on their cars.

"The drivers are not allowed to work without having these checks.

"I think a lot of other taxi firms in the city do this too."