Taxi drivers will take to the streets of Brussels on Monday afternoon to protest against several government measures which they believe will affect their livelihoods.
The Federation of Belgian Taxis (FeBeT) has called on taxi drivers from across the country to gather in Brussels on Monday 4 March at 13:00. The demonstration will start on Rue du Progrès near the North Station (Gare du Nord).
The action, expected to affect traffic in certain neighbourhoods, was organised by the FeBeT in protest against several government measures that it argues will impact the livelihood of drivers, and the way the sector is being treated in general.
It has criticised the rule requiring all new taxis in Brussels to be emission-free from 1 January 2025 – "when the sector can't even afford to buy a second-hand vehicle" – as well as the "doubling or even tripling of the charges and taxes payable to Brussels Mobility".
The sector is also once again denouncing the Brussels mobility plan Good Move. The sector has warned several times that Brussels Minister for Mobility, Elk Van den Brandt, lodged a complaint against the President of FeBeT following threats of a demonstration.
"The minister and Minister-President [Rudi Vervoort] do not accept any criticism or threats of demonstrations," FeBeT said. "There has been no consultation for nearly five years now, and they are taking unilateral decisions without taking into account the concerns of the public or any sector."
It argued that all these measures have been imposed on the sector, but that no budget has been allocated to support taxi drivers or to help improve services.
Traffic disruption expected
The City of Brussels-Ixelles police zone warned on social media that traffic hindrance is to be expected in Brussels on Monday afternoon as a result of the demonstration.
"A motorised procession and demonstration on foot is passing through Brussels departing from North Station and arriving at Rue de la Régence near the city centre," it wrote. "We advise you to avoid this area and the small ring road (R20). Traffic disruption is expected from 13:00."
The zone's spokesperson told The Brussels Times that is unclear so far how many people will be taking part in the demonstration and where the most hinder can be expected.
Public transport may be affected locally above ground, but STIB's spokesperson An Van hamme told The Brussels Times that the hindrance is expected to be limited. "Unlike with the tractor protest, for example, this protest was not widely announced and our services were not notified of how many people take part, which can signify the impact won't be massive."
STIB will notify passengers in real-time if disruptions are expected via social media, the app and its website.
