POLICE are targeting bogus taxi drivers after sex attacks on women passengers.

More than 70 private hire cars have been stopped in a series of roadside checks at evenings and weekends.

Drivers are being asked to produce photo ID, a valid licence and to ensure their council plates are properly displayed.

The crackdown follows a number of incidents involving bogus private hire drivers.

Checks are being carried out in various locations in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.

Drivers from all local authority areas who are passing through could be checked.

A police spokeswoman said: "So far, all the drivers have passed the checks and no-one has been reported to the fiscal.

"However, we will continue to pursue this in a bid to improve the safety of the travelling public."

It is part of a pilot scheme being funded by the area's Community Safety Partnership.