S. African taxi drivers block roads in Uber protest

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Dozens of metered taxi drivers protested against American online taxi service Uber early Friday by blocking part of a major highway leading to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

Heavy traffic could be seen along the R24 highway after protesters blocked both directions.

Frustrated travelers late for their morning flights were observed disembarking from vehicles and walking towards the airport.

“We have complained to government officials for long. Now we want them to regulate Uber or we shall resort to violence,’’ 58-year-old Johannesburg metered taxi driver Bra Moris told Anadolu Agency.

He said they were unhappy that Uber was charging lower prices that are driving metered drivers out of business.

“We have been getting fewer clients ever since Uber started its service in South Africa two years ago,” he said.

Ekurhuleni Metro Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Kobeli Mokheseng told local television channel Enca that police had impounded 16 vehicles belonging to the protesters.

There have been increasing protests against Uber drivers in South Africa, with metered operators stoning their vehicles in some incidents.

Last May, police in Johannesburg had to fire warning shots to disperse a violent clash between local operators and Uber drivers.