SCORES of minibus taxi drivers whose routes pass through the busy Bree Street and its adjoining taxi terminus in downtown Johannesburg were left scratching their heads in disbelief yesterday as law enforcement officers impounded more than 100 unroadworthy vehicles and even cancelled vehicle licences.

Metro Police spokesman Wayne Minnaar said hundreds of taxis were stopped and searched in and around the taxi rank.

"Officers were checking if the vehicles were roadworthy, if drivers had valid licences and guarding against false number plates."

Minnaar said 116 taxis failed the test and had their licence discs cancelled and 14 taxis were impounded.