Transport for London (TfL) has been granted new powers to crack down on dodgy cab drivers without needing to get the police involved.

Powers have been passed onto the transport network by the Metropolitan Police which will allow TfL to check that taxi drivers are carrying out their service legally and according to licensing conditions.

Compliance officers working for TfL will be now be allowed to stop taxi drivers and carry out inspections which involve checking drivers have a valid insurance, inspecting a drivers photo ID and checking the car for defects.

The move came as a way to free up police resources and meet the growth of the private hire industry.

TfL are also allowed to inspect vehicles that have not only been licensed by TfL but other companies as well.

Commenting on the new rules Sadiq Khan said: “The safety of Londoners is my number-one priority, and with the growth of the private hire industry in London it is essential we give our compliance officers real powers to clamp down on illegal activity and take action against unsafe and unlicensed vehicles.

“The majority of taxi and private hire drivers provide a good and safe service for Londoners, but drivers who haven’t got a valid licence or are breaching the terms of their licence shouldn’t be on London’s streets.”

A total of 109 officers are being specially trained to carry out enforcement activities.

Caroline Pidgeon, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, also welcomed the move.

She said: “We’re glad to see this is finally happening. It has been a long time coming.

“There has also been confusion about the respective powers of the Met police and TfL compliance officers to tackle touting, so this will help to clarify the issue.”