DRIVERS were caught using their mobile phones, failing to wear seatbelts and driving without insurance during a police operation.

Officers seized one vehicle and issued 33 fixed penalty notices as part of the crackdown in Whalley Road, Accrington and Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle.

Thirty one taxis were also stopped by a taxi licensing officer from Hyndburn Borough Council who found that 13 of the vehicles were committing offences.

PC Rachel Humphreys said: “We targeted activity in these areas as residents had raised concerns about road safety issues.

“I hope this reassures the community that we do listen to their concerns and we will do everything possible to clamp down on those who break the law.”

Nine of the vehicles that were stopped were issued with immediate prohibitions.

"Once a prohibition notice has been placed on a vehicle, the driver must repair the defect or submit the vehicle for a full MOT before it can be removed," said PC Humphreys.

One driver was reported for summons to court after disputing a fixed-penalty notice during the day of action on Wednesday.

A council spokesperson said seven of the thirteen taxis were from Hyndburn, with the others travelling from neighbouring boroughs.

Two of the drivers were not wearing badges, one did not have a fire extinguisher, with another carrying a expired vehicle licence and there was also an unlicensed driver.

Two taxi drivers were also handed out seven day prohibition notices for a failure in the braking system of one vehicle and defective lights and lack of a fire extinguisher in another.

The activity comes as part of Operation Pathway, a force-wide campaign that sees high profile action days on the county’s roads aimed at saving lives and protecting people.