Taxi dispute blocks ambulance

Police say they are working to address drivers' fears

A protest by taxi drivers in Liverpool delayed an ambulance transferring a patient to hospital, according to Merseyside Police.

The protest, which happened at about 2000 BST on Wednesday at the Childwall Fiveways, was part of a series by taxi drivers who claim they are being terrorised by youngsters in the city.

Area commander Chief Superintendent Mike Langdon said: "We respect people's right to peaceful protest but not at the risk of putting the well-being of others in danger and disrupting members of the public."

The ambulance was blocked at the junction and was forced to drive along the central reservation.

If more bobbies were on the beat it would stop the hooligans doing unlawful deeds like bricking cabs

Graham Lisman, Liverpool cabbie

Mr Langdon said a liaison officer had been appointed to work with the taxi drivers.

"We would urge taxi drivers to continue to work with us to create a healthy partnership to benefit both parties.

"Disruptive action is not the answer and we will continue to work together to create a workable solution for all involved."

'More bobbies'

But the taxi drivers are planning more protests including one on Thursday evening.

Plain clothes police pose as cabbies

Earlier this week Merseyside police relaunched "Operation Trojan Taxi" where officers disguise themselves as cabbies and drive around areas with a high level of youth crime.

The force says the operation ran last year and was a "tremendous success".

But drivers say there needs to be a greater police presence on the streets.

Cabbie Graham Lisman said: "I firmly believe that if more bobbies were on the beat it would stop the hooligans doing unlawful deeds like bricking cabs."