8,000 cabbies bring London to a standstill in Uber protest

Yesterday in London, an estimated 8,000 black taxi drivers bought the streets around Whitehall to a complete standstill as they protested against the “unfair competition” bought on them by Uber. Drivers' organisations and trade unions led the protest; the latest in a series of global demonstrations protesting that ride-hailing apps like Uber face few of the strict regulations placed on licensed taxi drivers. One Mayoral candidate even promised to “run Uber out” of the city if he was elected, however his presence was not welcomed by the drivers, who want to remain politically neutral.

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Eight thousand black cab drivers have brought central London to a standstill today in protest against the 'unfair competition' from mobile taxi app Uber.

The drivers are demonstrating against what they consider is the light touch regulation of the industry harming cabbies and promoting private hire firms - with the blockade stretching a mile either side of Whitehall.

But Uber bosses said the competition it provides could lead to 'service improvements and better experiences for passengers'.

Thousands of black cab drivers have parked their vehicles in Whitehall, London, pictured, today in a mass protest against regulations

Drivers say there is a 'light touch' being taken against private hire firms including popular mobile app company Uber

Unions including Unite, which represents 25,000 cabbies in the capital, and United Cabbies Group are behind the protest

UCG bosses said there needs to be a 'clear understanding' that taxi drivers, pictured, are not supported by the taxpayer or charities

Unions say the protest is demanding tougher action against private hire firms like Uber when it comes to following regulations.

Len Martin, chair of United Cabbies Group, told City AM: 'The choice is simple. If London wants its highly regulated, safe and on demand gold standard taxis, there needs to be a clear understanding that we aren't supported by the taxpayer or charities.

'Government must not allow private hire operators to ignore the legislation. The taxi trade cannot survive with unfair competition.'

Unite, which represents many of the capital's 25,000 black cab drivers, is taking part in the demonstration.

Jim Kelly, a representative of the union, said: 'It is clear that the Government, London mayor Boris Johnson and the Tory candidate for mayor Zac Goldsmith have all seriously taken against the black taxi trade in London, a taxi trade which consistently comes out top in terms of value and service compared to other cities around the globe.

Some 'passengers', pictured, are enjoying the blockade, which stretches a mile either side of Whitehall

Crowds have gathered along the road, pictured, to watch the protest, which has caused major diversions around the city

The Metropolitan Police are also at the scene, pictured, to ensure public safety and keep the protest in check

Some drivers have put signs and placards in their vehicles to emphasis their point, including this car's 'Save Our Black Taxis' poster

'We feel that Uber exploits its drivers by using their self-employed status to extract maximum income from them which translates to those drivers working long hours.

Steve Wilson, a cabbie for the past 22 years, said all they want is a 'fair playing field'.

'We are not saying do away with Uber, we just want them to have the same regulations that we have,' added the 47-year-old.

'We also want Uber to pay tax here.'

Mark Rowley, 57, said: 'The Government are doing nothing - at the end of the day they have left us to it.

The protest has gone off peacefully although police have had to make some arrests for 'obstruction', pictured right

The motorcyclist is detained by officers as his bike is moved out of the path of traffic, pictured

The man is then taken away by officers as a crowd of onlookers stands by and watches, pictured

'We have got to help ourselves out, and the only way we can do that is by blocking the streets.'

A driver for 29 years he said there are 600 new licence applications for Uber each week, with just 10 people passing the knowledge test in that same timeframe.

Brian Garvey, vice chair of the United Cabbie Group, called the turn out 'fantastic'.

He added: 'We are professionals, we know the streets of London better than the police and ambulance.

'We are predominately parents and older, more mature, so for us to be upset is a serious thing. All this is about protecting our profession.

'We know how to block the streets because we know London and can be strategic in what we do.'

Uber UK regional manager Jo Bertram said the competition could lead to 'service improvements and better passenger experience'

One driver holds up a more inventive piece of propaganda - a protest balloon criticising Transport for London

The protest has caused traffic chaos in the Whitehall area as well as Piccadilly with tailbacks stretching throughout the city

Uber say they want the 'best of both worlds' where passengers are free to hail a cab on the street or use their app

Uber yesterday announced cabbies will not have to pay a fee for the first year of using their service in an effort to show 'cabbies and Uber can co-exist'

For the first time five different groups representing the city's 25,000 drivers joined together to demonstrate.

Drivers from France and Belgium also attended to show their support for London's drivers.

'The reduction in safety for passengers because of the light touch regime is to be deplored.'

But Tom Elvidge, General Manager of Uber in London, said: 'This protest was sparked when Transport for London dropped plans for bureaucratic new rules on licensed private hire drivers, such as five minute minimum waiting times. But Londoners made clear they didn't want to be slowed down with more than 200,000 opposing those proposals.

'We believe black cabs and services like Uber can coexist in the capital. That's why earlier this week we announced that black cab drivers can use our app to get extra custom with zero service fee paid to Uber for a year. By making the most of new technology we can all improve services for passengers and keep London moving.'

London cabbies have also rejected an offer from Uber allowing them to use its app to pick up passengers without paying commission.

The vehicles have been cordoned off, pictured, as police marshal Whitehall to avoid any problems despite the sheer weight of traffic

Another driver pictured with an anti-Transport for London placard in his car windscreen displaying their anger at the situation

The Licensed Taxi Driver Association said its drivers were protesting because they 'didn't like the way Uber treats drivers or customers'

Uber announced that cabbies will not have to pay a fee for the first year of using their service, with a message that 'black cabs and Uber can co-exist'.

But the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said it would be 'amazed' if any drivers take up the offer.

The Uber app allows users to select and pay for a black cab in the same way as a regular Uber car.

Ms Bertram added: 'Common sense regulations combined with new technology can help ensure that black cabs and apps like Uber live side by side.

'It's the best of both worlds. Londoners - and tourists - would be free to choose whether they want to hail a car on the street or push a button and get a ride for generations to come.'

Brian Garvey, vice chair of the United Cabbie Group, called the turn out 'fantastic' and said it sent a 'serious' message

For the first time five different groups representing the city's 25,000 drivers joined together to demonstrate, pictured

She said the offer was a chance for taxi drivers to pick up a fare when there are 'no passengers on the street or they're waiting in a long queue at a rank'.

Ms Bertram added that the Knowledge - a course which black cab drivers have to pass before being allowed to operate - could be made 'just as effective' if it took advantage of GPS and live traffic apps.

But Steve McNamara, LTDA general secretary, commented: 'With over 15,000 cabbies registered with specific taxi-hailing apps like Gett and Hailo, we would be amazed if any drivers decide to take up Uber's offer.

'Licensed taxis in London offer the best service in the world and as a membership group the LTDA doesn't like the way Uber treats its drivers and customers.