ROGUE taxi drivers caught operating without a licence have been hit with substantial fines by Wrexham Magistrates.

Three drivers - Michael Andrew Evans of Llay, Andrew John Craig Bloor from Leeswood and Clifford Martin Edwards of Rhos - were all found driving without a licence by officers from Wrexham Council's licensing section and North Wales Police.

Evans pleaded guilty to knowingly acting as the driver of a taxi without a licence, while Bloor was found guilty of the same offence and for failing to present his vehicle for inspection and testing. Both were fined £370.

Edwards was caught after complaints were made about him operating in the Rhos area.

He was convicted of eight separate offences, including driving a taxi without a licence, operating a taxi without a licence and driving without insurance.

Edwards was also hit with a 13-point ban, which means he is banned from driving for six months.

Andy Lewis, Wrexham Council's chief public protection officer, said: 'By taking firm action against illegal taxi drivers, not only are we protecting public safety but supporting the taxi drivers who operate lawfully and provide a good service to the public.'