France: Traffic disruptions in Paris May 16 due to taxi protest

Event

Taxi drivers are currently on strike in Paris as of the morning of Tuesday, May 16. According to Khalid Essaadi, spokesperson of the drivers’ union, the strike and related protests will cause major traffic disruptions in the capital by blocking roads near Place de la République, where taxis have been congregating since 06:00 (local time). “Slow-down” actions - where taxis drive slowly in convoys with the intention of causing traffic congestion - are expected throughout the capital during the day. Essaadi announced that around 1000 taxis are expected to take part in total. It is unclear how long the action will last; it could potentially be extended past Tuesday.

Context

Taxis drivers are denouncing services offered by VTC private car services (Voitures de Transport avec Chauffeur) and carpooling applications. They are also asking to be reimbursed for wealth lost due to the fall in the value of taxi medallions.

Advice

Individuals in Paris are advised to allow extra time to reach their destinations.