CABBIES in North Yorkshire are being caught committing motoring offences - including drink-driving, driving without insurance and failing to stop after an accident.

In the last two years 11 taxi drivers have been charged with motoring offences in the county after being caught by police.

Alarmingly, the most common offence for them to be charged with is drink-driving - with seven of them caught behind the wheel when they were over the alcohol limit.

Some were prosecuted for two or three offences at the same time.

Details released under the Freedom of Information Act show the cabbies' list of shame includes six caught driving without insurance, four caught "driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence" and one arrested for driving without an MOT certificate.

One was even prosecuted for the more serious offence of failing to stop after an accident and failing to report the accident.

A City of York Council spokeswoman, said: "Depending on the severity of the offence, the police will notify the taxi licensing team if a driver is arrested, and again if they are subsequently cautioned or convicted.

"The licensing managers then review the case to see if it is reasonable for the driver to keep their licence. Safety of the public is always our main priority and each case is dealt with on an individual basis."

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "There were 11 offenders arrested who gave their occupation as "taxi driver" but we do not have information to say if the offences were committed while the offenders were at work."

Judy Horwell, the Taxi Association's police liaison officer, said: "That's a pretty good figure considering how many taxis and private hire vehicles there are and how many hours we spend on the road.

"That shows that the drivers are taking responsibility for themselves.

"It's one of those jobs where if you're caught you can lose your livelihood in a day."

But she added: "Drink-driving is totally irresponsible and we don't condone that sort of thing."

Taxi drivers have to pass a strict background check before they are granted a licence and a further check is made every three years.

Drivers are meant to notify the council's licensing department within three days if they are charged with any kind of criminal offence. It is up to the local authority to decide whether any criminal convictions are relevant.

If someone has a "relevant conviction" - for example for motoring or violent offences - under national guidelines they are not usually granted a licence until that conviction is spent.

Those with drink-drive convictions are not normally allowed to hold a taxi licence for five years afterwards, but they can appeal.

Last year, The Press told how former police officer and convicted drink-driver Mick Hughes, was given a taxi licence in a landmark court ruling.

Mr Hughes, 48, from Acomb, successfully appealed against a decision to reject his application by licensing chiefs at City of York Council.

He had been dealt with by the courts in February, 2003, and had had two or three pints before he drove illegally in the Leeman Road area of York.