Cab drivers bring Bucharest traffic to a halt

Road traffic in the northern parts of the Romanian capital was brought to a halt on Thursday morning as thousands of cab drivers gathered for a protest in the area between the Victoriei Square and Arcul de Triumf. Their protest comes as similar demonstrations were announced in Timisoara, Western Romania.

Among others, the cab drivers urge authorities to drop a compulsory insurance and limits to the number of taxi transport licenses, as provided by a new piece of legislation on taxi activities. They also request free access to airport areas.

Some 4,000 cab drivers were expected to take part in the Bucharest protest due to end at 1 p.m. The local police have recommended Bucharest drivers to avoid the traffic in downtown and North Bucharest.