Drivers who park illegally in Abingdon's taxi ranks face prosecution in a council crackdown.

Cars left at taxi ranks in East St Helen Street, in the Square, and during evenings in the layby outside the former Braggs cycle shop, in High Street, are causing growing problems.

Taxi drivers have demanded action to keep the ranks clear.

Now the Vale of White Horse District Council, which licenses cabs in the area, has decided to get tough with motorists who ignore the law.

Previously, it took a more tolerant view, issuing warnings to illegal parkers and telling them not to repeat the offence.

But the "softly, softly" approach has failed to solve the problem.

Now the council intends to prosecute drivers who flout the regulations.

Council leader Paul Bizzell, who represents the town's Caldecott ward, said: "We have told businesses near the full-time taxi ranks to warn their customers that it is an offence to park on the ranks.

"Signs at the ranks have been improved to make clear the restrictions. "There has been growing concern about the disruption caused by the number of motorists parking in taxi ranks in Abingdon and the council has decided it needs to take a firmer line to deal with the problem."

The action has been welcomed by cab drivers.

Jason Atherton, of Auto Taxis, said: "Some of our drivers have been threatened by people who refuse to move.

"In one incident, taxis were damaged by an illegal parker who shunted cars to get out of a space.

"During the day, we have problems with shoppers and at night it's with people who visit pubs and restaurants."

Jane Smith, of PJ Taxis, said: "You tell people to move out of the ranks but many refuse and you have to drive around the town in the hope that people will have moved on.

"It costs us time and money and we cannot provide the service to the public.

"We're pleased the council is at last taking a firm line on illegal parkers.

"Wardens will keep an eye on the situation during the day and the police will have to watch out at night time."