Striking Cork taxi drivers cause gridlock
A group of striking taxi drivers in Cork threatened to cause traffic gridlock today with a go-slow protest through the city.
Around 50 taxis crawled through the city centre, honking horns in protest at what they claim is the over-regulation of the industry.
Taxi ranks at Cork Airport and Kent Railway Station as well as in Cork city centre remained closed again as the protest by full-time taxi drivers continued.
The taxi stoppage was to last until after the Irish Taxi Council’s meeting at noon today, when the situation was due to be reviewed.
Spokesman for the Cork taxi drivers, Tom O’Connell called on all drivers to join the strike.
“There are always some who won’t participate, but this is for the benefit of all drivers and I would encourage everyone to join in.
“The industry has been driven into the ground by over-regulation and we need to make a stand on this. We would be better on the dole than driving around all weekend for very little money,” said Mr O’Connell.
Taxi drivers are calling on the regulator to reduce the number of licences that are issued.
