Barcelona cabbies launch indefinite strike

Taxi drivers in Barcelona have launched an indefinite strike after legislation  was passed on Friday by the Regional Government of Catalonia forcing customers to book VTCs (Tourism Vehicles with Chauffeur) like Uber or Cabify with a 15 minute lead time before the vehicles are needed.

Furious Taxi drivers are arguing that since VTCs are not a taxi service they should be booked 12 to 24 hours in advance.

The changes in legislation have sparked a strike which left dozens of cabs blocking the Gran Via, one of Barcelona's main arterial roads.

Cabbies in Madrid are due to undertake a similar protest on Monday, two days before the start of the  Fitur international tourism fair. 

Representatives from the taxi industry have stated that they want a clear dividing line or differentiation between the two industries, and consider the 15 minute delay an insult.