Taxi drivers continue their provocative behaviour

The national network road between Thessaloniki and Nea Moudania was blocked by taxi drivers complaining about the measures of the new law, thus blocking all citizens going to their holiday destinations in Chalkidiki.

Today the same torment continues for all citizens of Athens who do not have a car and want to go on holiday or are returning from a holiday, and will have to carry their luggage on public means of transport to reach ports and airports.

The taxi drivers of Thessaloniki have blocked the Macedonia airport and other streets since 9 am this morning in their effort to finish their "march" to the airport. However, during lunchtime the 500 taxis left peacefully. They will convene today again to decide on their further demonstrations, which will be more considerate to the public according to their representative Klimis Leontiadis.

The intense presence of taxi drivers was also felt in Patras. They blocked the port of Patra and are planning to block the Rio-Antirio bridge, whilst deciding on new action for Monday.

The fact is that with their stance, taxi drivers continue to provoke the public feeling and are not earning any sympathy since they are causing discomfort to citizens and tourists.

After the meeting with the Minister of Transport Mr.Ragousis, which led to no decisions or agreements, they decided to continue their strike.

Larisa taxi drivers also closed off the toll stations and national road at Tempi for about a quarter of an hour from 8am to 815am, a demonstration that was mostly symbolic and didn't cause a lot of traffic congestion.

The Ministry has decided to go forth with all new legislation that deregulate the profession of taxi driving, and will usher in new rules from getting a licence to new services that the profession can offer.

The "thriller" with the strikes is not yet over and will continue next week. The Minister will meet with representatives of taxi drivers again on Wednesday.