TWO Bournemouth taxi drivers have had their licences revoked over issues including overcharging and rude behaviour.

One of the drivers also held a passenger in their vehicle unlawfully.

The licences were revoked at a meeting of Bournemouth Council's licensing sub committee on Tuesday morning.

It comes after evidence was given to the council following a number of serious incidents.

The board was presented with evidence about one taxi driver which included overcharging, detaining a passenger in the vehicle unlawfully as well as a pattern of rude and aggressive behaviour.

The second case showed evidence of overcharging, retaining and damaging a customer's mobile phone and use of bad language.

Cllr Andrew Morgan, chair of the licensing board, said: “Today’s decision to revoke both licences sends out a clear message that this sort of behaviour is simply not acceptable and we will take appropriate action.

"The safety of passengers using Bournemouth’s taxis is of paramount importance and it is the drivers’ responsibility to ensure, while they are working, that they behave appropriately, treat passengers with courtesy and uphold the standards and honesty expected by the council.

"In both cases, the drivers failed to meet the standards required and so they will not be permitted to operate in Bournemouth."

It comes just a few weeks after another driver had his licence suspended following allegations he assaulted a female passenger.

A woman was reportedly dragged from the car and attacked before money was taken from her.

In response to this incident, Kevin Holmes, chairman of the Bournemouth Taxi Trade Association, said: “Hopefully the public will be reassured that if this kind of thing happens, action will be taken. I want people to have confidence in yellow cabs in Bournemouth.”