Four taxi drivers have been rapped by Luton Borough Council after passengers complained about their behaviour behind the wheel.

The complaints ranged from drivers using a mobile telephone while they were driving to tailgating, verbal abuse and threatening behaviour.

At a hearing of the council's private hire and taxi licensing panel last week, one of the drivers had his licence revoked, one was refused a licence renewal, one was suspended for two months and one was given a written warning.

The council says legally it cannot not release the drivers' names because they have the right of appeal against the decisions.

Councillor Don Worlding, who is in charge of licensing at the council, said: 'Most of the drivers licensed by the council do their best to provide a top rate service for their passengers.

'Our duty is to help keep the public safe when they are travelling in taxi cabs or using private hire vehicles. But we take any complaints about drivers very seriously and always follow them up.'

Anyone who experiences problems with a taxi should note the vehicle license number displayed inside the vehicle and telephone the council on 01582 546040.