Kent crackdown on taxis and mini-cabs flouting rules
A crackdown on private hire and taxi drivers flouting rules is under way in part of Kent.
Police and council officers are targeting drivers picking up people illegally in the busy period in the run-up to Christmas.
The operation is being carried out across Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.
Maidstone councillor Marion Ring said a similar operation last year led to three prosecutions.
She said: "Last year's operation proves that we will be coming down hard on those flouting the rules. This year will be no different.
"During December we are determined to put the brakes on those who are picking people up illegally."
She said private hire vehicles could only collect passengers who had pre-booked.
"Black cab" taxis, or Hackney carriages, could only pick people up in the street in the area for which they were licensed.