Speaker's corner: London black cabs block streets over illegal minicabs

London’s black cabs caused a riot on Wednesday 2 June 2010, when they began a blockage throughout the city centre of London. Many of the cabs drove around the city centre in protest, creating traffic jams up to rush hour. One of the reasons for this protest is according to the black cabs, because the mini cabs steal their parking spots and participate in touting. The mini cabs are not licensed and are therefore not allowed to steal their customers. A spokesperson for the black cabs apologised for the inconvenience they have caused and explained that he felt that there was no other choice than to block the streets to get heard.
The black cabs demanded the following things:

• Stop illegal touting and ranking up immediately
• Allow black cab drivers to stop to used the toilets
• The Mayor of London should investigate the public carriage office, which oversees the taxi trade

 In my opinion the mini cabs should be banned from the city centre of London for a short period of time as result of their misbehaviour. I think a period of 6 months should be enough to make them understand that if they do not follow the rules, there are consequences. I think it’s absurd that things like these happen, especially the part in which the black cab drivers ask for the permission to stop to get a toilet break.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/england/london/10211958.stm