Aberdeen Hundreds of taxis and private hire vehicles have been checked as part of a crackdown on rogue drivers.
Police officers have been working to identify drivers and vehicles operating without a valid licence, and to ensure drivers maintain standards and comply with conditions in Aberdeen.
Since launching the operation earlier this year, around 800 vehicles have been checked, with seven unlicensed drivers charged and reported to the procurator fiscal.
A total of 14 vehicles were found to be unlicensed and the drivers have been reported.
Inspector Kenny McGeough, who leads the North East Licensing Team, said: “Operation Taber was instigated to find out about compliance with drivers’ vehicles, driver licences and private hires to give us reassurance that this service was safe.
“There was nothing to suggest it was unsafe but I felt it was an area which needed more explanation.
“There were no cases of anyone posing as a taxi driver in this instance, but that’s something these checks are good for.
“This is our means of being able to ID people who are acting as a driver without the right to do so.
“To date we have no evidence of this happening.”
Insp McGeough said the Aberdeen taxi trade is generally “safe and sound” and the main reason for those not holding a valid licence was renewal had “slipped their mind”.
He added: “Licence holders have a personal and professional responsibility to ensure their licence is valid and I hope that Operation Taber acts as a strong forewarning for drivers and operators to get their documentation in order, as we cannot have unlicensed taxi drivers and vehicles on the road.
“Aberdeen City Council licensing committee issue and revoke licences so those caught will be reported to them, but an offence has also been committed and they will go to the procurator fiscal for consideration.
“I think it is imperative we keep on top of this and are seen to be doing so, it is a reassurance issue for the public safety and for the future of the trade.”