Cabbies threaten to strangle London in bitter Uber row
An estimated 12,000 London cabbies are expected to bring London to a standstill later today in an increasingly bitter spat over the rise of mobile phone app Uber – which they claim is undercutting their business.A city-wide strike will take place from 2pm today with black cabs congregating in Trafalgar Square to make their displeasure felt, raising fears of gridlock in the surrounding area.Cabbies fear that the business model adopted by Uber is eroding their monopoly on the sector but the Metropolitan Police have adopted a tough stance, threatening drivers with arrest and license revocations if they fail to liaise with officers.In a letter sent to the London Taxi Drivers Association the Met said: “‘You will be aware of the risk you face in relation to the revocation of your cab licence should you receive a criminal conviction, especially one arising out of use of your cab. We wish to ensure that this situation does not arise.”In a combative response however the LDTA urged its members to press ahead as planned in an unequivocal Twitter message.
Today's demo goes ahead, 2 pm T Sq/ Whitehall/P Sq. Comply with all police instructions, do not give up, do not be beaten, just head back!
— The LTDA (@TheLTDA) June 10, 2014