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Taxi and rail strikes hit European cities Taxi and rail strikes hit European cities
(about 4 hours later)
Transport in major European cities has been disrupted by twin strikes, affecting taxis and rail services. Transport in major European cities has been disrupted by strikes affecting taxis and rail services.
Two-thirds of trains did not run in some areas of France in a strike against reforms and taxis blocked roads, including around major airports. Taxi drivers blocked roads in Paris, Madrid, London, Milan, Berlin and other cities in protest against the rise of services booked using smartphone apps.
There were demonstrations by taxi drivers in Madrid, London, Milan, Berlin and several other cities. They say there has been a lack of regulation concerning rival mobile service Uber.
They are protesting at what they regard as a lack of regulation of rival mobile service Uber. Travellers in France were also hit by a rail strike that stopped two-thirds of trains in some areas.
The biggest taxi associations in the Spanish capital asked their drivers to observe a 24-hour stoppage until 06:00 on Thursday morning. More than 15,000 licensed vehicles operate in Madrid, Spanish media say. The biggest taxi associations in the Spanish capital asked their drivers to observe a 24-hour stoppage until 06:00 on Thursday. More than 15,000 licensed vehicles operate in Madrid, Spanish media say.
No taxis were visible at Barajas airport or Atocha station, reports said, despite Uber not yet being available in the capital. At one point, a car suspected of being a private taxi came under attack from demonstrators.No taxis were visible at Barajas airport or Atocha station, reports said, despite Uber not yet being available in the capital. At one point, a car suspected of being a private taxi came under attack from demonstrators.
The strike was also being observed in Barcelona, where the mobile app is in operation.The strike was also being observed in Barcelona, where the mobile app is in operation.
Trafalgar SquareTrafalgar Square
Cabbies in London demonstrated in Trafalgar Square, arguing that the Uber mobile app, which originated in the US, was tantamount to a taxi meter, which only black cabs are legally entitled to use in London. Drivers of London's famous black cabs demonstrated in Trafalgar Square, arguing that the Uber mobile app, which originated in the US, was tantamount to a taxi meter, which only black cabs are legally entitled to use in London.
"We're governed by a set of rules and they don't seem to apply to Uber," said Glenn Chapman, a driver parked in a long line of cabs outside Downing Street.
Uber argues it is complying with local regulations.Uber argues it is complying with local regulations.
Up to 12,000 drivers are expected to take part in the protest. Transport for London estimated that about 4,000 drivers had taken part and roads were gridlocked around Parliament Square, Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.
The Metropolitan Police said conditions had been imposed on protesters after they failed to meet with officers to discuss their plans.
In Milan, in northern Italy, a protest was taking place throughout Wednesday, although disruption was not expected to be on a similar scale as elsewhere, with boycotts expected of key sites such as railway stations and squares. Cab drivers also staged demonstrations in Rome and Naples.In Milan, in northern Italy, a protest was taking place throughout Wednesday, although disruption was not expected to be on a similar scale as elsewhere, with boycotts expected of key sites such as railway stations and squares. Cab drivers also staged demonstrations in Rome and Naples.
Protests were taking place in several German cities, including Berlin and Hamburg.Protests were taking place in several German cities, including Berlin and Hamburg.
But the worst of the disruption was in Paris, where train services were also badly affected by strike action.But the worst of the disruption was in Paris, where train services were also badly affected by strike action.
Hundreds of drivers blocked the French capital's airports and staged a "go-slow" during the morning rush hour.
Only one in three trains was running in the Paris region, although Eurostar services were unaffected.Only one in three trains was running in the Paris region, although Eurostar services were unaffected.
Unions are objecting to plans to merge the rail network operator with the train company SNCF. The company said some 28% of railway staff had walked out.Unions are objecting to plans to merge the rail network operator with the train company SNCF. The company said some 28% of railway staff had walked out.
Workers were also considering whether to extend the strike into Thursday. Several regions had voted to continue the stoppage, French media reported.Workers were also considering whether to extend the strike into Thursday. Several regions had voted to continue the stoppage, French media reported.