Belgium: Taxis from multiple European countries plan a go-slow protest in Brussels, Sept. 8

Event

European taxi federations plan a major protest in central Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 8, to demand that governments take action against the app-based taxi-hailing company, Uber. Organisers expect an estimated 1500 taxis to meet at Gare du Nord at 10:00, followed by a go-slow convoy and a pedestrian march along the inner ring road to rue de la Loi-Schuman in the European Quarter. It is not known how long the protest will last.

Local authorities have advised motorists to avoid the city center. Police will likely deploy to facilitate and monitor the protest. Roads will likely be closed in the vicinity of the go-slow convoy. Traffic disruption is highly likely, and bus and tram services will likely be disrupted or delayed. Congestion is likely to increase on the metro system. Taxi services will likely be unavailable. The protest is likely to be peaceful but scuffles between participants and police or disgruntled commuters cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security measure. Avoid the road network in Brussels city center during the affected period. Allow extra time if crossing the area and if arriving and departing from Gare du Nord, including for international services. Check taxi bookings in advance and seek other methods of transport if necessary. Follow local travel and security advice.