Taxi drivers block streets at Brussels North Station

About 100 disgruntled taxi drivers blocked the streets around Brussels North Station on Tuesday morning with their cars, reports Het Laatste Nieuws. At 11.00, the taxi drivers headed to the cabinet of Brussels mobility minister Pascal Smet to express their dissatisfaction with the renewed tax plan announced by the minister a few weeks ago.

The renewed plan grants more opportunities for 'Uber taxis' in the capital, therefore increasing competition for the taxi sector, according to the protesters. Uber's ride-sharing service does not have to adhere to the same taxes and regulations as traditional taxi drivers.

"It's a partly organised, partly spontaneous action," said spokeswoman Audrey Dereymaeker of the police zone Brussels North. "This morning, the taxi drivers announced they would protest. Police officers are on location to keep an eye on the situation." So far there have been no reports of incidents.