BRUSSELS, 28 March 2018:
Over 650 taxis caused disruption in and around Brussels as they mobilised yesterday against licensed limousine drivers using the Uber app.
More than 650 taxis in total took part in the protests in Brussels and the outer ring, estimated Ilse Van De Keere spokesman of the Brussels-Ixelles police – in a statement.
From the Heysel Plateau down to the European Quarter, angry drivers paralysed the city in protest. Tyres were burnt at crossroads to further demonstrate their anger.
This demonstration of taxis is largely unauthorised, according to reports by the Belgian newspaper Le Soir.
In principle, all gatherings of this kind must be the object of a request for authorisation issued at least 10 days before the chosen date.
Traffic problems were reported in many places, reported the Belgian newspaper La Libre. Police have also warned commuters against driving their car when travelling to the capital.
Public transport services – De Lijn, STIB and TEC – were also affected, according to a statement by the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company spokesman.
In response to the protests, the general manager of Uber Belgium Joost Verdriesenhas issued a statement saying that “all professional drivers have a role to play in improving mobility in Brussels”.
– Bernama