Taxi strike to target airports

AIRPORTS and city centres will be clogged by taxis tomorrow as drivers around France stage a one-day strike.

Ten unions representing thousands of drivers will be taking part in the day of convoys and blockades.

Disruption is likely around airports and on the main roads into cities. Anyone travelling by plane should allow plenty of time to reach the terminal.

The biggest protest will be in Paris. Drivers will assemble at Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports between 7.00 and 9.00 and will then head slowly to the Esplanade des Invalides in the city centre for 14.00.

There will also be protests elsewhere in France, including Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse.

The drivers are calling for financial help from the government to cover rising fuel prices and the cost of new equipment which they are required to buy before the end of this year.

They are also complaining about growing competition from private car hire firms.